Group aims to put Negros on ‘Chocolate Map’

The long term plan of a local business group to put Negros Island on the "chocolate map" is inching towards reality.

Inspired by cacao farming in Davao and discovery of rare cacao varieties in the mountains of Negros, businesswoman Celina Yanson Lopez (CYL) started into the venture several years ago by utilizing 50 hectares of her farm in Brgy. Dos Hermanas, Talisay City, Negros Occidental, into planting cacao. Going into it, she was assisted by cacao farmer Cris Fadriga.

Ricardo Dominic Lopez, son of CYL and general manager of the CY & Sons Group, disclosed yesterday that they planted about 35,000 cacao trees since 2017, concentrating on and developing the cacao Criollo variety, for its distinct taste.

The group also tapped the services of Steven Devries, a private cacao consultant from Colorado, United States, for the perfection of cacao fermentation process and the startup of a chocolate factory.

Lopez disclosed that his mother, Celina, wanted to have unique business to stand out and put Negros on the "chocolate map."

"Our target is not only to produce chocolate for the mass market, but for the bar craft chocolate," he added.

Yesterday, the CY& Sons Group and Chloe Doutre Rousse, a known French cacao and chocolate connoisseur international expert, spearheaded a chocolate tasting sweet treat at the Bob's Café in Bacolod City, where its various products were sampled, including mass market, industrial, organic, and the more expensive bean-to-bar craft chocolate.

Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson was also in for a sweet treat during their Chocolate Tasting held at Italia Restaurant in Bacolod City, on January 18.

The event explored the possibilities for Negros Occidental to become a cacao chocolate producer or exporter.

In a statement, the CY & Sons Group said "we are overwhelmed by the choice of chocolate bars in the market. Tasting events allow us to grasp the reputation and potential of the Philippines in the world of specialty of cacao and chocolate."

Through these initial steps, it is our hope that we get to learn what makes quality chocolate, how to spot it, and be equipped with the tools to recognize quality, describe styles and choose the chocolates that fits us best, they added.

Lopez said they intend to link up with small farmers to engage in cacao farming, and encourage government support in the development of Criollo beans, for Negros Occidental to be known for its rare chocolates and makers all over the world.

The Office and Provincial Agriculture and the Provincial Environment Management Office of the Negros Occidental provincial government are presently implementing the cacao growing programs for project beneficiaries in the upland communities.*