around the empowerment of small farmers by directly connecting them to international buyers. CACAO Center for Advanced Community Agriculture Operations (CACAO) is a group of agriculture enthusiasts who aim to provide solutions in the production and marketing issues in agriculture. Specifically will try to come up with programs that will provide sustainable livelihood to small farmers and produce enough if not more supply in the market. Chocolate industry in the Philippines Industry background Cacao, which originated from South American forests, is the source material of chocolate products. However, modern cacao is mostly produced by African and European countries such as the Ivory Coast, Germany and Belgium. As a minor player in the global industry, the Philippines also engages in cacao cultivation nearly everywhere around the archipelago, even during the early 1900s. Cacao Industry The Philippine cacao industry consists mostly of smallholder farmers who supply medium-scale manufacturers. However, domestic production is insufficient; local cacao demand outweighs the cacao supply both locally and globally. One major factor that affects caco production in the country is "the lack of post-harvest knowledge, equipment, and facilities to ensure bean quality for chocolate manufacturing." Since that is the case, cacao exports are far less than country's imports. The Department of Trade and Industry Reports that in 2012, cacao imports amounted to 3,662 tons, while cacao exports amounted to only 512 tons. Imports of Cocoa and Cocoa Preparations (million kg.) Exports of Cocoa and Cocoa Preparations (million kg.) Growing market opportunity for tablea Recent increase in the number of cafes and restaurants offering chocolate or chocolate-based drinks provided for the relative rise of tablea market opportunities. In addition to that, healthy lifestyle trends in the past years contributed to this gradual increase of demand. This is seen as a good sign of possible profit translation for cacao farmers and manufacturers. Industry size Philippine market Philippine chocolate market is dominated by both local and international companies. The three largest companies in the Philippines processing cocoa are Universal Robina, Commonwealth Foods, and Goya—all of which are located within Metro Manila. Also contributing to the chocolate market in the country are several well-known commercial brands such as Nestlé, Hershey's, and Cadbury Adams. Local and Foreign Cocoa-processing Companies Other Local Brands Mama Earth Cacao Bean to bar with own farms in Monkayo and production in Samal Island. Maker of high quality tableas, chocolate, Nibs and cocao power CACAO Davao CACAO Davao