You don’t have to look far to get a taste of world-class chocolate

Here in the Philippines, the chocolate industry is slowly flourishing to cater not only the local but also the international market.  

Filipino chocolatiers have been making waves on the international stage in recent years, joining the ranks of elite chocolatiers worldwide and bringing home prestigious awards. And in 2021, a law was passed recognizing the Davao Region in Mindanao as the Cacao Capital of the Philippines. 

Whether it’s a pasalubong from your relatives, a gift from your significant other, or an indulgence for your sweet tooth, chocolate is pure bliss in every bite.

Chocolate goodness right at home 
Craving some incredible chocolate? You don’t have to look far! 

Davao-based social enterprise Cacao Culture is among the many who are working their way to elevate locally crafted chocolates. Founded in 2016 by tech entrepreneurs Kenneth and Sheila Reyes-Lao, they combined their passion for cacao with their business and IT know-how to join the chocolate-making industry. Cacao Culture produces their own chocolate products that range from chocolate bars, cacao drinks, to baking needs.  
 

When the pandemic hit, Cacao Culture expanded and invited fellow chocolate makers to join them in their Lazada store to help them continue selling amid the shutdown of physical stores at the time. Today, not only do they sell their own branded products, but they also sell other Filipino chocolate brands like the award-winning brands Malagos Chocolate, Auro Chocolate, and Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates. 

Focusing on online sales allowed Cacao Culture to scale the business quickly despite limited capital. Starting from a 60-square-meter apartment, Cacao Culture now has two physical shops in Davao, with warehouses in Manila and other key locations nationwide in the pipeline. 
 

“We don’t see other local chocolate makers as competitors—we believe in collaboration. The industry is still growing, and by working together, we can make a bigger impact, especially for cacao farmers,” they said. “Our goal is for more people to know and take pride in Philippine chocolates.”

Reaching wider markets online
Committed to supporting local sellers and brands like Cacao Culture, e-commerce platform Lazada officially expanded its operations in Mindanao with the opening of its Davao office at the Regus-Felcris Centrale Mall. Local sellers can visit for onboarding, workshops and seminars, join campaigns, and enroll in seller programs and other platform-sponsored solutions. Lazada also made it easier for businesses to create a Lazada Store through this sign-up page where they can also learn the benefits of being on the platform. 

Through partnership, budding entrepreneurs in Mindanao can leverage Lazada’s business solutions to further grow their business and reach wider markets. 
 

Explore Lazada’s vast selection of local sellers and shop for discounted goods on Lazada's 3.3 Pasabog Sale TODAY until March 7, and enjoy up to 90% off LazFlash deals and up to P2,000 off Campaign Vouchers. Find great deals in the #LazadaPasabogSale on the Lazada app!