A sweet taste of success started brewing in the Province of Lanao del Sur.
Kakaw Meranaw, a woman-led project specializing in artisan gourmet chocolates, has piqued the interest of cacao experts in Paris, France. It has also become a catalyst of hope for the local farmers in the town of Bayang.
In an exclusive interview with Sittie Aisah Balt, the project head behind this flavorful venture, we delve into the founding story, the unique production process, community impact, and the promising future of Kakaw Meranaw.
Nurturing Cacao for a Sustainable Future
Every success story starts with a dream. The roots of Kakaw Meranaw trace back to April 2021 when Sittie Aisah’s father posed a question that would change the course of their lives: “How can the locally-produced cacao bean generate income?”
In the midst of a pandemic, the Balt family sought alternatives to traditional tablea (unsweetened cacao tablets) production. Undeterred by initial failures, Sittie Aisah joined the 3rd Ranaw Project Grand Program (RPGP) in 2021, gaining recognition for their agricultural product.
“I initially had a doubt in joining the RPGP because it was only our team who pitched an agricultural product. Back then, this type of product is often underestimated by others, so we were so glad to reach the Top 4 in that competition,” she shared.
Motivated by her father’s vision and a desire to provide sustainable livelihoods to the local community, Kakaw Meranaw was born.
Cacao fruits harvested from the Balt family’s farm in Bayang, Lanao del Sur. (Photo from Sittie Aisah Balt)
A Father’s Legacy and Community Upliftment
With a decade-long history of cultivating various agricultural products, Sittie Aisah’s father served as the driving force behind Kakaw Meranaw. His determination to transform cacao into a viable income source inspired the team to continue despite initial doubts. A former OFW and barangay chairman, he aimed to introduce innovative farming techniques to uplift the community around him.
“Before cacao, he has tried cultivating varieties of agricultural products like abaca, ampalaya (bitter gourd), eggplant, and bell peppers for mass production. We were ready to stop the production of cacao after the pitching but what motivated us to continue is my father, the farmers that we can help, and we have many uncultivated lands in Lanao del Sur where we can plant cacao to further help other communities”, she added.
Kakaw Meranaw’s Palapa and Binaning Chocolate Bars Awarded Gold by AVPA Paris
Distinctive Award for Exceptional Flavors
Securing the prestigious 3rd Agency for Valorization of Agricultural Products (AVPA) Paris 2023 Medal in the Gourmet Chocolate of Local Origin international contest marked a monumental achievement for Kakaw Meranaw. This victory not only elevated the status of their cacao products but also ignited a wave of inspiration, encouraging more local farmers to join the burgeoning cacao cultivation movement.
Kakaw Meranaw clinched this esteemed award for its Binaning (Turmeric) and Palapa chocolate bars, showcasing the exceptional quality and distinct flavors that set them apart. The international competition, organized by the AVPA, serves as a global stage for chocolatiers worldwide. The agency’s mission is to provide a platform for the diverse traditional tastes found among chocolatiers in cocoa-producing countries, offering a comprehensive classification that reflects the rich tapestry of flavors in the industry.
What sets Kakaw Meranaw apart is not just its origin, but the unique flavors infused into each chocolate bar. Using locally cultivated beans from Lanao del Sur, the team pioneered the production of an array of chocolate products using purely locally sourced ingredients.
Sittie Aisah emphasized the importance of timing, acknowledging her father’s role in cultivating cacao, ensuring the consistency and quality of their chocolate from bean to bar.
“The beans used in the production are cultivated in Lanao del Sur. The farmers and youth working to produce it are Meranaws. Our unique flavors include palapa and turmeric (kalawag). We want to introduce more unique flavors using locally sourced raw materials but as of now, we are focusing on those unique flavors to mainstream our cacao products,” she said.
Sittie Aisah presenting the Kakaw Meranaw’s products during the Youth Co:Lab Summit 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand. (Photo from Sittie Aisah Balt)
Sales Surge and Agricultural Upliftment
The success of Kakaw Meranaw resonates beyond its delectable chocolates. Increased sales, especially from Luzon, demonstrate the curiosity surrounding their unique flavors. The initiative has gained prioritization in Lanao del Sur projects, receiving support from their municipal mayor and international organizations like Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA). With a monthly production increase to fourfold, Kakaw Meranaw is planting the seeds of economic growth in the Bangsamoro region.
“We do not have a physical store yet, but we have partner shops that our customers can visit to buy the Kakaw Meranaw chocolate bars (Binaning Chocolate, Palapa Chocolate, 50% Milk Chocolate, and 70% Dark Chocolate),” Sittie Aisah said.
“In Marawi City, our products are displayed in Aretes Style, Farm Grill, Altitude, and Le Reve Koffi. Our customers outside Lanao del Sur can also buy our products from Moro Café in Cotabato City, Coffee Hour in Zamboanga City, and Morning Glory in Balo-I, Lanao del Norte,” she added.
Kakaw Meranaw’s impact extends to the grassroots level with initiatives to support local farmers and communities.
The project has distributed cacao seedlings to various areas, aiming to empower farmers to cultivate cacao as a sustainable source of income. With over 400 fruiting cacao trees this year and 4,000 more by 2024, Kakaw Meranaw envisions a future where local farmers can sell their cacao beans, contributing to the economic development of the region.
Looking ahead, Kakaw Meranaw has plans for expansion. While focusing on mainstreaming their existing products, the team envisions introducing new flavors and collaborating with like-minded organizations. The goal is not just to create delectable chocolates but to catalyze economic and social development in Lanao del Sur and the broader Bangsamoro region.
Aspiring Entrepreneurs, Turn Your Plans into Action
Aspiring entrepreneurs can draw inspiration from Kakaw Meranaw’s journey. Sittie Aisah advises “turning plans into action and seeking knowledge from experts to enhance craft and save resources”. Through dedication and a commitment to local empowerment, Kakaw Meranaw is an epitome of the transformative power of agricultural entrepreneurship in fostering economic and social change. (Norjana Malawi/BIO)
