Davao heirloom cacao farmer named one of the best in the world
Jose Saguban, a cacao farmer from Paquibato District in Davao, was recently acknowledged as one of the best cocoa bean producers along with 49 others from across the globe in the Cocoa of Excellence Program (CoEx) 2019.
All 50 entries were processed into liquor and then evaluated by an extensive panel of judges who based their overall decision in the beans’ quality and flavor.
Saguban sells his beans to a local chocolate company whose products are proudly made from Philippine heirloom varieties of cacao.
Auro Chocolate, a bean-to-bar Filipino company, sources cocoa beans directly from local farming communities in Davao to promote sustainability while restoring the country’s heirloom varieties.
“Mang Jose is very meticulous and hands-on when it comes to growing
cacao beans,” said Jacky Go, mother of Auro Chocolate’s managing director Kelly Go, who shares the position with co-founder Mark Ocampo.
She shared that Mang Jose would personally taste his beans and plant the seeds of those that appeal to his taste.
“He said that good quality beans smoke less than others when placed in an open flame. He valued quality over quantity, which is what we also look for in our partner farmers,” Go said.
Saguban’s, along with four other farmers’ entries, were initially submitted by Auro to compete in a national cacao bean competition before it was recognized by the CoEx.
The Auro team hopes that Saguban’s cacao bean will eventually be recognized in the 2019 International Cocoa Awards that will be celebrated during the Salon du Chocolat (Chocolate Fair) which will be held in Paris, France from October 30 to November 3.
Nonetheless, the Auro team is proud of what their partner has achieved due to his determination and passion.
“This opportunity is a stepping stone for all,” said Kelly.
Auro Chocolate not only puts the native varieties of cacao from Davao on the global map, but it also empowers Filipino farmers to continue preserving and promoting local organic products.