Philippines chocolate brands among world’s best

MANILA, Philippines — Three Philippine chocolate brands ranked among the best in the world during the 2018 Academy of Chocolate Awards in London, United Kingdom.

The chocolates of Malagos Agri-Venture Corp., Auro Chocolate, and Theo & Philo Artisanal Chocolates were rated as among the best from around 1,200 entries from 45 countries worldwide. All three brands source their cocoa beans from Davao.

“We would like to see more Philippine products make their way to the mainstream market in the UK and the rest of Europe. It’s a tough and highly competitive market. A recognition such as this from a respected industry body that provides added validation of the quality of our products and their capability to compete with the rest of the world,” said Philippine Special Trade Representative and Commercial Counsellor Michelle Fatima Sanchez.

Malagos bagged  a silver award for Malagos 85 percent Dark Chocolate under the drinking chocolate category, and bronze awards for Malagos Unsweetened Chocolate and Malagos 72 percent Dark Chocolate under the same category. The brand’s entries in the Tree to Bar Category, Malagos 72 percent Dark Chocolate and Malagos 85 percent Dark Chocolate, also won bronze.

Auro Chocolate, won bronze awards for Auro Chocolate 70 percent Dark Chocolate Saloy Reserve under the Tree to Bar Category, and Auro Chocolate 32 percent Roasted White Chocolate Cashew under the Flavoured White Chocolate Bar category.

Theo & Philo Artisanal Chocolates bagged a silver award for Theo and Philo Milk Chocolate Adobo under the Flavored Milk Chocolate Bar Category, and Bronze Awards for Theo and Philo Milk Chocolate Turon and Theo and Philo Milk Choco with Pili Nut and Pinipig under the same category.

The brand’s entries in the Flavored Dark Chocolate Bar Category such as Theo and Philo Dark Choco with Black Sesame and Nuts, Theo and Philo Dark Choco with Calamansi, and Theo and Philo Dark Choco with Labuyo; and in the Bar Wrappers-Packaging Category.

The Academy of Chocolate Awards was launched in 2005 with the aim to recognize and showcase world-class chocolate and its producers.

Leading chocolatiers such as Luke Frost of Valrhona and Keith Hurdman from Felchin, together with The Telegraph’s Andrew Baker, Cocoa Runners’ Charles Metcalfe MW and Spencer Hyman, and the UK’s top chocolate bloggers and food writers gathered at Westminster Kingsway College, London to take part in 15 days of judging this year’s entries.