MANILA, Philippines — Who would have thought that bits of pamintang buo (peppercorns) and a hint of toyo (soy sauce), which are usual Adobo ingredients, would go well with milk chocolate?
A chocolate bar combining Filipino dish Adobo with Philippine cacao is among the latest offerings of Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates, a local chocolate brand known for mixing unexpected Filipino flavors like salted green mangoes with locally harvested pure chocolate.
Theo & Philo Artisan Chocolates, Auro, 1919 Chocolate, Godel, Cacaomistry, Tabléa and Sabroso are among the brands participating at this year’s “Born and Bred Locally – Philippine Bean to Bar Chocolates,” a special collaboration by The Philippine Cacao Industry Association (PCIA), in partnership with The Marketplace, in honor of World Chocolate Day on July 7.
The Philippine craft chocolate display will run from July 5 to 31 in The Marketplace Shangri-la Mall, The Marketplace Katipunan, and the newly opened The Marketplace Opus Mall.
Dedicated to promoting the growth and sustainability of the Philippine cacao industry through advocacy, education, and collaboration, the PCIA is the private sector arm of the Philippine Cacao Industry Council (PCIC).
Meanwhile, The Marketplace is a premium supermarket chain in the Philippines, a subsidiary of Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI), the second largest multi-channel retailer in the Philippines. The Marketplace is continuously expanding with 37 branches spread across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
PCIA, in a statement, said the craft chocolate display is a celebration of Philippine cacao and chocolate and a testament to the excellence and innovation within the country’s local cacao industry.
The month-long showcase will give people a chance to delve into the stories behind each brand, from the sourcing of raw materials to the meticulous processes that result in the creation of Philippine craft chocolate.
Chocolate connoisseurs and enthusiasts can expect to indulge in the finest selection of local bean to bar chocolates. Each brand will showcase their craftsmanship and highlight the rich heritage and world-class quality that Philippine cacao is known for.