Auro Chocolate is delighted to announce a monumental achievement in the world of cacao as our esteemed partner, the Saloy Organic Farmers Association (SOFA), represented by Ms.
Judith Gabasa, has been recognized as one of the TOP 50 BEST Cacao producers IN THE
WORLD by the prestigious Cacao of Excellence Award 2023. Out of 222 exceptional entries
from 52 different cacao origins, SOFA stands tall as the sole representative of the
Philippines this year.
This remarkable achievement marks the second time our farming partners have been honored with this prestigious award, showcasing a new Philippine origin, Saloy, which continues to make waves in the world of cacao.
SOFA, a local cacao farmers' association based in Saloy, Calinan District, Davao City, Davao
del Sur, members of SOFA have been part of our amazing chocolate journey since 2015. Under Auro Chocolate’s Organic Conversion Program (OCP), launched in 2021, SOFA has
flourished as a community of cacao producers dedicated to sustainable organic agriculture. As they currently undergo a certification process with the support of Auro Chocolate, we anticipate that their farms will achieve organic certification before the year's end.
The outstanding achievement of SOFA doesn't stop here. They are set to proceed to the final leg of the competition, where the bronze, silver, and gold award winners will be determined from this elite group of 50 cacao producers. The winners of these esteemed awards will be officially announced in February 2023 during the awarding ceremony at the Chocoa event in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
In addition to this accolade, Judith Gabasa, representing SOFA, was previously honored as one of the top producers of quality cacao at the Philippine Cacao Quality Awards 2022. This
recognition reaffirms SOFA's consistent commitment to excellence in cacao production.
Auro Chocolate extends heartfelt congratulations to the entire SOFA community for this
remarkable and inspiring achievement, as we continue to work together in the pursuit of
excellence in the world of cacao.
Photo and press release courtesy of Auro Chocolate