Cocoa Monster: Bringing Filipino Chocolate To The World

In a world dominated by multinational chocolate giants, there exists a homegrown Filipino company that has been quietly making waves for decades.

Indulging in a cozy morning embrace with a steaming bowl of Champorado – the sweet symphony of chocolate and rice, warming both heart and soul. | Photos: Cocoa Monster

TP Food Processing Corporation has been manufacturing Filipino wholesale cocoa products from bean to chocolate since 1983. However, it's their retail brand, Cocoa Monster, that has recently caught the attention of chocolate lovers around the world.

In this exclusive interview, Mr. Timothy Lim, Vice President for Operations, shares the story behind Cocoa Monster's inception and his vision for the future of the local chocolate industry.

A Tribute to Filipino Cocoa

The story of Cocoa Monster is intertwined with TP Food Processing Corporation's rich history.

"Cocoa Monster is the retail brand of TP Food Processing Corporation, a homegrown family business that has been manufacturing Filipino wholesale cocoa products from bean to chocolate since 1983," says Mr. Lim.

The company's journey began in a rented factory in Quezon City and expanded to its own manufacturing plant in Bicutan, Taguig City, in 1987. In 1988, they embarked on a joint venture in Indonesia, spreading their love for cocoa across borders.

Cocoa Monster was born from a desire to make Filipino cocoa products more accessible to the world. It serves as a platform to showcase locally sourced cacao beans and other Filipino delicacies in its creations.

While many international chocolate brands dominate the market, Cocoa Monster proudly carries the banner of 'Made in the Philippines.'

What sets Cocoa Monster apart from other chocolate brands, Mr. Lim explains, is its deep-rooted commitment to being a homegrown Filipino company with over 40 years of experience in manufacturing cocoa products.

Their recipes and processes have evolved and improved over the years, allowing them to cater to large local institutions and export their products across Europe and the USA. Cocoa Monster's mission, as Mr. Lim states, is "to create world-class cocoa products that will surprise and delight our customers."

Quality & Sustainability

Ensuring the quality of their cocoa beans is a top priority for Cocoa Monster. "We maintain a good relationship with our long-time partners in farming and bean collecting," says Mr. Lim.

These trusted partners understand Cocoa Monster's stringent quality requirements and carefully select the best beans to meet those needs.

To further guarantee quality, the company operates its own in-house laboratory capable of assessing bean quality. Sustainability is also a growing concern in the food industry, and Cocoa Monster actively participates in fair trade practices.

They ensure that farmers receive fair compensation for their efforts, which not only supports local communities but also maintains the high quality of the beans supplied to Cocoa Monster.

Like any business reliant on globally traded raw materials, Cocoa Monster faces the challenge of market volatility. Cocoa prices can fluctuate unpredictably, which poses financial challenges.

However, with their extensive experience in the industry, Cocoa Monster has learned to navigate these turbulent times with careful planning and forecasting.

Cocoa Monster's Contribution to the Local Industry

In the Philippines, chocolate remains an undervalued cultural and culinary symbol, according to Mr. Lim. Despite the country's world-class cocoa beans and chocolate, it often takes a back seat to other products such as mangoes and bananas.

However, he believes that with adequate government support, Philippine chocolates could one day achieve worldwide renown.

Cocoa Monster aims to play a pivotal role in promoting Filipino chocolates as world-class products. They aspire to make Philippine chocolates as sought-after as international brands, welcoming visitors with the taste of quality chocolate upon entering the country.

Collaboration is key to expanding the reach of affordable Filipino chocolate. Cocoa Monster has partnered with Duty-Free Philippines, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Tourism (DOT) to promote Philippine chocolates on the international stage.

Additionally, they are making their products more accessible by distributing them in major supermarkets in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Technology & Innovation

Technology and automation have also revolutionized the chocolate-making process at TP Food Processing Corporation.

These advancements allow the company to produce chocolates more consistently and efficiently, meeting the growing demand for their products while maintaining their commitment to affordability.

As a leader in the industry, Mr. Lim offers sage advice to aspiring chocolatiers and entrepreneurs: "Choose to always innovate. Never close your mind off; you must constantly learn. Whether from your own competitors or even other industries, there will always be newer, better ways to do things."

A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

Creating Cocoa Monster chocolates is a blend of traditional craftsmanship and innovation, and the company continually experiments with new flavors and products, hinting at exciting developments on the horizon.

“We are always experimenting with new flavors and products, and we do have some new products scheduled in the near future,” Mr. Lim added.

While details remain under wraps for now, Mr. Lim encourages chocolate enthusiasts to keep an eye out for what's to come.

The Future of Cocoa Monster

Looking ahead, TP Food Processing Corporation has ambitious plans. Through Cocoa Monster, they aim to break into international markets by collaborating with international distributors and making their products available in big box stores abroad.

With the same dedication and passion that have fueled their journey for four decades, the future indeed looks sweet for Cocoa Monster and the local chocolate industry it represents.

As Cocoa Monster continues to delight chocolate lovers with its affordable Filipino creations, it not only honors its rich heritage but also propels the Philippines onto the global chocolate stage, one delicious bite at a time.

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