Auro Chocolate, in partnership with the Saloy Organic Farmers Association (SOFA), has once again put the Philippines on the global cacao map by winning a Silver award at the prestigious Cacao of Excellence Awards. The recognition underlines the exceptional quality of the Philippine-origin cacao beans, Saloy.
The global award was announced on February 8, 2024, during the Chocoa Trade Fair during Amsterdam Cocoa and Chocolate Week in The Netherlands. The journey to this latest achievement began with SOFA’s recognition among the Top 50 Best Cacao Producers last year, showcasing their standout contribution from the Philippines among 222 entries worldwide.
The 2023 Cacao of Excellence Awards, a program of the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) held every two years, celebrates the top flavors and quality in cacao, bringing together experts and industry leaders to honor the best in the field of four cacao-producing regions in the world. Auro and SOFA, the only Philippine representative in this edition of the cacao awards, are part of the Asia and Pacific producers.
SOFA, integral to Auro Chocolate’s success, has been working under the brand’s Organic Conversion Program since 2021, focusing on sustainable organic agriculture.
Mark Ocampo and Kelly Go, founders of Auro Chocolate, shared their excitement and gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing their commitment to excellence and their partnership with Filipino cacao farmers: “We are incredibly proud to receive this award for Auro Chocolate and our partners, Ms. Judith Gabasa and SOFA! This recognition inspires us to keep pushing forward and strive for excellence for cacao and our partnered Filipino cacao farmers.”
This award not only signifies the hard work and dedication of Auro Chocolate and SOFA but also highlights the potential of Philippine cacao on the world stage.
This Silver win follows Auro Chocolate’s history of world recognition, including a Top 20 Best Cacao Beans in the World award for one of their Davao partner farmers in 2019.
Auro Chocolate is known for its sustainable, tree-to-bar approach, directly collaborating with local farmers to produce internationally-acclaimed chocolate. SOFA, with its commitment to organic farming, remains a key partner in Auro Chocolate’s mission to deliver the finest cacao beans and products.
As Auro Chocolate looks forward to further accolades, this Silver win underscores their ongoing pursuit of excellence and innovation in the chocolate industry.
Share this inspiring journey of Auro Chocolate and SOFA, and let’s celebrate Philippine cacao’s triumph on the global stage. Spread the word and support sustainable, world-class chocolate production.
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