Philippine government wants to lead in cocoa bean production

Demand for cacao or chocolate in both domestic and export markets are high, and because of an anticipated deficit due to the pandemic, the Philippine government has committed to grow the nation’s output of fermented beans by 40% annually. By 2022, the country hopes to produce 100,000 MT of cacao, a move that will strategically position the Philippines as a key regional player in the business of this underserved commodity.