A Filipino farmer in partnership with Auro Chocolate won the grand prize at the world’s largest chocolate show in the world held in Paris, France.
Jose Sugban or Mang Jose managed to win the prestigious Cacao of Excellence Award at the Salon Du Chocolat.
“We won!!! Not only did Mang Jose make it to the Top 50, he also won the main award for TOP 20 best cacao beans in the world!!!” Auro Chocolate shared.
Sugban was previously selected among the Top 50, and the only one to represent the Philippines for the Cacao of Excellence Award.
Louie Cena worked closely with Sugban together with other cacao farmers.
Cena became Sugban’s mentor along with other farmers where they were taught fermentation protocols and the preparation of data and samples for submission.
“It’s been a long journey since we started working with Mang Jose who was trained by our resident expert Louie on quality and proper fermentation. When we found out he made it to the Top 50, we were already ecstatic so we decided to bring him to Paris to receive his award in person. But WOW! Little did we know he would make it to the Top 20 best cacao beans in the world, we have no words! Thank you to Mang Jose for his hard work, dedication, and motivation to keep getting better!” Auro shared on a Facebook post.
Auro Chocolates said that Mang Jose’s victory is a great day for Filipino farmers.
