Introduction – Philippines’s Cocoa Beans Market by the Numbers
When people think of cocoa beans, countries like Ghana or Ivory Coast usually come to mind. But did you know the Philippines is quietly carving out a niche in the global cocoa scene? While it currently ranks 22nd worldwide, producing around 10.76 million kilograms of cocoa beans in 2023, this island nation is showing signs of serious potential.
That number may only represent about 0.19% of total global output, but it marks a 3% increase from the year before and a massive 34.77% jump over five years. Not bad, right? Especially when you consider that global cocoa markets are facing wild price swings and supply shortages, the Philippines is sitting on a golden opportunity.
In 2023, the country exported nearly 2.69 million kilograms of cocoa beans, worth $8.73 million. The primary buyers? Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. But here’s the kicker: the domestic market is heating up too, expected to hit $4.52 million in revenue by 2025 and grow at over 5% per year through 2030.
With cocoa prices surging globally—reaching an eye-watering $10,000 per ton in early 2024—Filipino farmers are reaping better profits, with farm gate prices jumping from ₱103.76/kg in 2019 to ₱311.75/kg in early 2024.
So, what’s the takeaway? The Philippines might not be the biggest player, but it’s one to watch—and for buyers and importers, it’s time to dig into the data and make smart sourcing decisions.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Market Signals
Let’s break down what’s happening behind the scenes.
Production and Export Overview
In 2024, the Philippines maintained stable production at around 10,700 metric tons. That’s a bit lower than the previous year’s 10,760 MT, but it’s still moving in the right direction. The catch? Local demand is five times higher—around 50,000 MT per year—so the country still imports beans to meet domestic needs.
On the export side, the country moved close to 2.69 million kilograms of cocoa beans in 2023. That’s roughly $8.73 million in export value. The top buyers?
- Malaysia – $7.59 million for 2.45 million kg
- Indonesia – $278,630 for 73,855 kg
- Vietnam – $228,900 for 75,000 kg
- South Korea – $206,200 for 6,607 kg
- Netherlands – $149,110 for 13,305 kg
- USA – $143,770 for 45,898 kg
Demand Signals from Platforms Like Freshdi
B2B platforms such as Freshdi have recorded rising RFQs (requests for quotations) for Philippine-origin cocoa beans, especially from Southeast Asia and Europe. Buyers are increasingly looking for verified suppliers that can deliver high-quality beans consistently, and Freshdi’s data helps them track supplier performance, certifications, and responsiveness.
Market Pricing Trends
Cocoa prices globally have been on a rollercoaster. The price per metric ton jumped 172% in 2024, driven by poor harvests in West Africa. This has trickled down to the Philippines, where prices rose 26.6% in just one month—from ₱246.28/kg in January 2024 to ₱311.75/kg in February.
This spike is both a blessing and a challenge. While farmers earn more, buyers need to make smart, timely decisions to lock in favorable rates—again, where Freshdi’s market insights come in handy.
Top 8 Verified Cocoa Beans Suppliers in Philippines – Leading Exporters by Volume
If you’re looking to source cocoa beans from the Philippines, here are the top 8 verified suppliers for July 2025. These suppliers are chosen based on export volume, buyer ratings, certifications, and activity on B2B platforms like Freshdi.
1. Fileami Farm
A consistent high-performer, Fileami Farm is known for producing premium-grade cocoa beans with traceable sourcing. They’re a favorite among buyers looking for both quality and reliability.
2. Mark Dalayon
With a strong focus on sustainable and ethical farming, Mark Dalayon’s operations are aligned with global compliance standards. His beans have gained traction in Southeast Asia and Europe.
3. Jll Cacao Products
Specializing in dried fermented beans, Jll Cacao Products export high-quality cacao to premium chocolate makers. Their fermentation process ensures rich flavor profiles.
4. Ferdinand Balaga
A trusted name in the Mindanao region, Balaga’s beans are known for their consistent moisture content and aroma, making them ideal for specialty chocolate.
5. Eli Ceasar Bongabong
Eli Ceasar combines modern techniques with traditional farming. His beans are traceable and often used in single-origin chocolate lines.
6. WeProv
WeProv acts as both a producer and aggregator, offering volume flexibility and customized packaging for international buyers.
7. Benjie Ventura
Known for organic practices, Benjie Ventura’s beans are a go-to for importers who prioritize clean labels and pesticide-free products.
8. Caopuro, Inc
Caopuro’s strength lies in its logistics and export capabilities. They manage large-scale orders efficiently and maintain quality across batches.
📌 Dynamic Ranking Note: Supplier rankings can shift monthly based on export activity, buyer feedback, and certifications. Platforms like Freshdi provide dynamic leaderboards and “Suppliers of the Month” to help buyers stay informed.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Price Insights & Export Dynamics
Let’s talk strategy. When’s the best time to buy? Which markets are heating up? Here’s what you need to know.
Export Trends and Buyer Destinations
In 2024, exports rebounded after a few sluggish years, climbing to 1,000 tons. Malaysia alone took 82% of those shipments. That’s a strong signal that regional buyers are doubling down on Philippine-sourced beans. Vietnam and Indonesia also showed increased demand.
The average export price hit $6,266 per ton—a 93% leap from the previous year. Clearly, the world is willing to pay more for quality.
Seasonal Price Shifts
Cocoa prices usually spike around festive seasons like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Easter—times when chocolate demand surges globally. The Philippines typically sees higher farm gate prices from November to February.
So, if you’re a buyer, planning ahead can save you a bundle. Tools on Freshdi allow you to analyze historical pricing trends and make smarter decisions. Think of it like using weather forecasts to plan your vacation—only this time, it’s your procurement budget you’re protecting.
Future Outlook for Cocoa Demand in the Philippines
From 2024 through 2027, domestic demand for cocoa beans is expected to hover around 6,000 MT annually. By 2028, it’s forecasted to climb to 7,000 MT. That’s a steady CAGR of 2.6%, driven by rising chocolate consumption and the growth of local chocolatiers.
With more local brands entering the premium chocolate space, the demand for high-quality beans is rising. This opens more doors for local farmers and exporters.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Strategic Sourcing
The Philippines might not be the largest cocoa bean producer globally, but it’s a rising star in the industry, backed by solid production growth, increasing export volumes, and favorable pricing.
For buyers, the key to success lies in being data-driven. Don’t just go for the cheapest option—look at supplier performance, export history, and buyer reviews. Platforms like Freshdi make this easy by aggregating trade data, RFQ trends, seasonal pricing insights, and supplier verification all in one place.
Whether you’re a chocolate manufacturer, trader, or importer, using tools like Freshdi can help you make smarter, faster, and more profitable sourcing decisions.
Key Takeaways
- The Philippines exported 2.69 million kg of cocoa beans in 2023, worth $8.73 million.
- Domestic prices have soared, making cocoa farming more profitable for local producers.
- Verified suppliers like Fileami Farm and WeProv are top picks for international buyers.
- Seasonal price spikes align with global chocolate consumption trends—plan your buys accordingly.
- Platforms like Freshdi offer real-time supplier rankings, trade insights, and RFQ analytics.
Buyer’s Checklist for Sourcing Cocoa Beans from the Philippines
✅ Check the supplier’s export history and volume on Freshdi
✅ Review certifications (e.g., organic, fair-trade)
✅ Analyze seasonal price trends before locking contracts
✅ Compare RFQ responses for pricing consistency
✅ Monitor monthly supplier performance rankings on Freshdi
Future Outlook
The next few years will be crucial for the Philippine cocoa industry. With government support, better infrastructure, and increasing global demand, the country is poised to scale up and grab a bigger slice of the cocoa pie. For buyers, now’s the time to establish long-term partnerships with reliable Filipino suppliers before competition heats up even more.
How Freshdi Empowers Buyers
Freshdi isn’t just a B2B platform—it’s your cocoa sourcing command center. From supplier verification to export data, RFQ tracking to dynamic pricing intel, Freshdi helps you navigate the cocoa market with confidence. Whether you’re sourcing 1 ton or 100 tons, Freshdi makes sure every bean counts.
FAQs
1. Why are cocoa prices so high right now?
Global supply issues, especially in West Africa, have driven prices to record highs. Droughts and diseases have reduced output in major producing countries.
2. Is the Philippines a reliable source for cocoa beans?
Yes. Though smaller in volume, the Philippines offers high-quality beans with increasing export capacity and verified suppliers.
3. When’s the best time to buy cocoa beans from the Philippines?
Avoid peak pricing periods like November to February when global demand spikes. Use Freshdi to track real-time price trends.
4. What certifications should I look for in a cocoa supplier?
Look for certifications like Organic, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, and ISO to ensure quality and sustainability.
5. How can Freshdi help with cocoa bean sourcing?
Freshdi offers supplier verification, market insights, pricing trends, and dynamic sourcing tools that help buyers make smarter decisions faster.
References
- Tridge – Cocoa Bean Intelligence
- World Bank WITS Export Data
- Statista – Cocoa Market Philippines
- Selina Wamucii – Cocoa Prices
- FoodNavigator Asia – Cocoa Expansion Plan
- PhilStar Business
- PNA News – Cocoa Prices
- Business Mirror – Cocoa Roadmap
- FT – Cocoa Supply Chain
- Reuters – Ghana Cocoa Pricing
- IndexBox – Market Reports
- Fitch Solutions – Cocoa Market Update
- ReportLinker – Cocoa Demand Forecast
- Freshdi – Verified Suppliers and Insights
