Spotlighting Philippine Cacao: Global Trends in Culinary, Wellness and Agronomy
SMX Lanang Premier, Lanang, Davao City
December 5-6, 2017
Cacao Industry Development Association of Mindanao, Inc. (CIDAMI) held its 4th Kakao Konek in December 5-6, 2017. Dubbed as the premier cacao conference in the Philippines, Kakao Konek 2017 put the spotlight on the Philippine Cacao and global trend in chocolate consumption, wellness, and agronomy.
The event gathered more than 600 participants from 14 regions of the Philippines and few participants from Japan. Various much-awaited events were launched and unveiled during Kakao Konek 2017. One of which was the formal declaration of Davao City as the cacao and chocolate capital of the Philippines by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and the formal launching of Cacao City as the chocolate hub in the City. Davao Chocolate Tour Overload was also launched by the Department of Tourism (DOT). Similarly, DOT presented the concept and promoted its Farm Tourism program to open opportunities for livelihood in the farm. The National Cacao Excellence Award Program by the Philippine Cacao Industry Council was also launched aimed to recognize the efforts of cacao farmers and to encourage more cacao farmers to produce quality cacao beans.
Updates on global and local supply and demand trends as well as updates on technologies on cacao agronomy, post-harvest handling and processing/manufacturing, and trends on wellness were presented by both local and international experts. Sustainability and strengthening of the cacao industry in the Philippines was also highlighted in the event with the presentation of programs and projects of both government and non-government agencies.
The event was hosted by CIDAMI in partnership with ACDI/VOCA and co-sponsored by DA, DTI and City Government of Davao.
