The Sultan Kudarat cacao industry took center stage at the 1st Sultan Kudarat SIKAT KA Trade Expo, held from July 22 to 24, 2026, at the Provincial Capitol in Isulan. Local cacao farmers, processors, cooperatives, and MSMEs showcased premium cacao beans, chocolates, tablea, and other value-added products, highlighting the province’s growing potential as a rising cacao-producing region. The expo, part of ASENSO SK 2026, demonstrated the increasing strength of the cacao industry in Sultan Kudarat and the collaborative efforts of stakeholders to position the province as a key player in the Philippine cacao value chain.
Key Takeaways
- The 1st Sultan Kudarat SIKAT KA Trade Expo was held from July 22–24, 2026, at the Provincial Capitol in Isulan as part of ASENSO SK 2026
- Local cacao farmers, processors, cooperatives, and MSMEs showcased premium cacao beans, chocolates, tablea, and value-added products
- The event highlighted the province’s growing potential as a rising cacao-producing region in Sultan Kudarat
- The Sultan Kudarat cacao industry has received significant support from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) through various programs
- Nearly 7,000 farmers in Sultan Kudarat have received assistance from DTI’s RAPID Growth Project, including cacao seedlings and training
- The Cacaohan SK Community invites cacao stakeholders to connect, promote products, and help showcase the province’s thriving cacao industry on a bigger stage
Table of Contents
- Sultan Kudarat Cacao Industry Takes Center Stage at SIKAT KA Trade Expo
- DTI Support Strengthens Sultan Kudarat’s Cacao Industry
- Cacao Products and Value-Added Offerings on Display
- Cacaohan SK Community: A Platform for Stakeholders
- Sultan Kudarat’s Growing Cacao Production
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Disclaimer
Sultan Kudarat Cacao Industry Takes Center Stage at SIKAT KA Trade Expo
The Sultan Kudarat cacao industry was proudly showcased during the 1st Sultan Kudarat SIKAT KA Trade Expo, held from July 22 to 24, 2026, at the Provincial Capitol of Sultan Kudarat in Isulan. The event, which was part of ASENSO SK 2026, brought together local cacao farmers, processors, cooperatives, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to highlight the province’s growing potential in the cacao sector.
Local stakeholders proudly displayed premium cacao beans, chocolates, tablea, and a wide range of value-added cacao products—demonstrating the increasing sophistication and competitiveness of the cacao industry in Sultan Kudarat. The expo provided a platform for farmers and entrepreneurs to connect with potential buyers, share best practices, and showcase the quality of locally produced cacao goods.
The event also underscored the province’s commitment to agricultural development and economic diversification. By focusing on high-value crops like cacao, Sultan Kudarat is positioning itself as a key player in the Philippine cacao value chain, contributing to the broader goal of strengthening the country’s agricultural sector.
DTI Support Strengthens Sultan Kudarat’s Cacao Industry
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has played a pivotal role in supporting the Sultan Kudarat cacao industry. Through various programs and initiatives, the DTI has provided technical assistance, training, and resources to cacao farmers and processors across the province.
DTI Sultan Kudarat Provincial Director Mary Ann Morales has emphasized the growing demand for cacao in the Philippines, which encompasses a broad range of products, from chocolate confectioneries to baking ingredients and bread spreads. The DTI has conducted training on “Enhancing Agricultural Production Capacity and Quality, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and Rejuvenation” to help farmers minimize seedling mortality and ensure healthy crop growth.
The Rural Agro Enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID Growth) Project , a six-year initiative supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and implemented by the DTI, has significantly benefited cacao farmers in Sultan Kudarat.
As of September 2025, 6,788 small farmholders in the province received assistance from the project, which aims to enhance the income of rural farmers involved in the production of coffee, cacao, and coconut. The project has distributed 880,000 coffee seedlings and planted 81,000 cacao seedlings across 136 hectares in the province. Additionally, P5.7 million was allocated to strengthen production and enterprise operations for coffee, cacao, and coconut farmers.
The DTI has also facilitated market linkages for farmer organizations, connecting 37 farmer organizations with nine institutional buyers, including Nestlé Philippines and Sultan Kudarat Coffee Ventures Inc., generating a total of P127 million in sales.
Cacao Products and Value-Added Offerings on Display
The SIKAT KA Trade Expo featured an impressive array of Sultan Kudarat cacao products, showcasing the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of local producers. Visitors to the expo were able to sample and purchase:
- Premium cacao beans – High-quality beans sourced from local farms, reflecting the province’s suitability for cacao cultivation
- Chocolates – Artisanal and commercially produced chocolates made from locally grown cacao
- Tablea – Traditional processed cacao beans used for chocolate drinks, a product with deep cultural roots in the region
- Value-added cacao products – Including cacao-based snacks, beverages, and other innovative offerings
The expo also provided an opportunity for cacao processors and cooperatives to network with potential partners and explore new market opportunities. The presence of MSMEs at the event highlighted the growing role of small businesses in driving the cacao industry in Sultan Kudarat.
Cacaohan SK Community: A Platform for Stakeholders
Following the success of the SIKAT KA Trade Expo, the post issued an invitation to cacao stakeholders to join the Cacaohan SK Community. This platform is designed to connect cacao farmers, processors, chocolatiers, cooperatives, traders, entrepreneurs, researchers, and enthusiasts who share a common interest in advancing the Sultan Kudarat cacao industry.
The Cacaohan SK Community aims to:
- Connect stakeholders across the cacao value chain
- Promote locally produced cacao products
- Share opportunities for collaboration and growth
- Showcase Sultan Kudarat’s thriving cacao industry on a bigger stage
The community represents a natural next step in the province’s cacao development journey, providing a space for stakeholders to collaborate, share knowledge, and collectively work toward elevating the Sultan Kudarat cacao industry to new heights.
Sultan Kudarat’s Growing Cacao Production
Sultan Kudarat is steadily establishing itself as a rising cacao-producing province in the Philippines. The province’s favorable climate and soil conditions make it suitable for cacao cultivation, and local farmers have been increasingly adopting cacao as a high-value crop.
The Philippine cacao industry is currently transitioning to a new Five-Year Development Plan (2026–2030) , unveiled in 2025 by the Philippine Cacao Industry Council (PCIC) and the Philippine Cacao Industry Association (PCIA) . This roadmap, themed “Convergence,” aims to unify farmers, processors, and government agencies to elevate the country’s global competitiveness. The Philippines currently produces 11,000 metric tons of cacao , with 80 percent coming from Mindanao. The average production is 0.8 kg per plant, which can potentially increase to 2.5 kg with the right agricultural practices.
The Department of Agriculture has also been actively supporting cacao development. In 2024, cacao contributed P1.78 billion to the crop sector’s total production value based on current prices, representing a 49 percent increase from 2023. The growth of the cacao industry in Sultan Kudarat is part of this broader national trend, positioning the province as a key contributor to the country’s cacao production.
Conclusion
The 1st Sultan Kudarat SIKAT KA Trade Expo marked a significant milestone for the Sultan Kudarat cacao industry, providing a platform for local farmers, processors, cooperatives, and MSMEs to showcase their products and demonstrate the province’s growing potential as a cacao-producing region. The event, held from July 22 to 24, 2026, at the Provincial Capitol in Isulan, was a testament to the collaborative efforts of stakeholders across the cacao value chain.
With strong support from the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Agriculture, and various development partners, the cacao industry in Sultan Kudarat is poised for continued growth. The establishment of the Cacaohan SK Community further strengthens this momentum, providing a platform for stakeholders to connect, collaborate, and collectively elevate the province’s cacao industry.
As the Philippines implements its new Cacao Development Plan (2026–2030) , Sultan Kudarat is well-positioned to play a leading role in the country’s cacao sector. The province’s farmers, processors, and entrepreneurs are ready to meet the growing demand for high-quality cacao products, both domestically and internationally.
For more updates on the Sultan Kudarat cacao industry and other agricultural developments, follow official announcements from the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat , the Department of Trade and Industry , and SultanKudarat.com .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sultan Kudarat cacao industry?
The Sultan Kudarat cacao industry refers to the production, processing, and marketing of cacao and cacao-based products in Sultan Kudarat province. The industry has been growing steadily, with local farmers, processors, cooperatives, and MSMEs producing premium cacao beans, chocolates, tablea, and other value-added products.
What was the SIKAT KA Trade Expo?
The 1st Sultan Kudarat SIKAT KA Trade Expo was held from July 22 to 24, 2026, at the Provincial Capitol in Isulan as part of ASENSO SK 2026. The event showcased local cacao products and highlighted the province’s growing potential in the cacao industry.
When and where was the SIKAT KA Trade Expo held?
The expo was held from July 22 to 24, 2026, at the Provincial Capitol of Sultan Kudarat in Isulan.
What products were showcased at the expo?
Local stakeholders showcased premium cacao beans, chocolates, tablea, and a wide range of value-added cacao products, demonstrating the increasing sophistication of the Sultan Kudarat cacao industry.
What is the Cacaohan SK Community?
The Cacaohan SK Community is a platform that invites cacao farmers, processors, chocolatiers, cooperatives, traders, entrepreneurs, researchers, and enthusiasts to connect, promote products, share opportunities, and help showcase Sultan Kudarat’s thriving cacao industry.
How has DTI supported the cacao industry in Sultan Kudarat?
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has provided technical assistance, training, and resources to cacao farmers and processors. Through the RAPID Growth Project, DTI has distributed cacao seedlings, provided training on good agricultural practices, and facilitated market linkages with institutional buyers.
How many farmers have benefited from DTI’s RAPID Growth Project?
As of September 2025, 6,788 small farmholders in Sultan Kudarat have received assistance from the RAPID Growth Project.
What is the current state of the Philippine cacao industry?
The Philippines produces 11,000 metric tons of cacao, with 80 percent coming from Mindanao. The industry is transitioning to a new Five-Year Development Plan (2026–2030) aimed at improving productivity and global competitiveness.
How can I get involved in the Sultan Kudarat cacao industry?
Interested stakeholders can join the Cacaohan SK Community to connect with other cacao farmers, processors, and entrepreneurs. They can also participate in training programs and trade events organized by the DTI and other government agencies.
Where can I find updates on the Sultan Kudarat cacao industry?
Follow official announcements from the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat , the Department of Trade and Industry , and SultanKudarat.com for ongoing coverage.
Disclaimer
This article is based on the public announcement regarding the 1st Sultan Kudarat SIKAT KA Trade Expo and the Sultan Kudarat cacao industry. The information presented reflects the announcement and available reports as of the date of publication. Specific details regarding individual cacao producers, product quantities, and other technical specifications may be subject to change. SultanKudarat.com strives to provide accurate and timely information but does not guarantee the completeness or absolute accuracy of the details contained herein. Readers are encouraged to verify official announcements from the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat and other authorized government agencies for the most current updates.
