Vietnam officially earned a fancy new title this week at the 2016 World Cocoa Conference.
In addition to being the country responsible for Marou's world-famous chocolate, Vietnam received the distinction of becoming Asia's second nation to achieve a fine flavor designation from the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO), according to Confectionery News.
This honor, which was bestowed upon 40% of the country's cocoa exports, means that two-fifths of Vietnamese cocoa is valued at a cost – and a quality – significantly higher than the average market price. Indonesia was the first Asian nation to receive this distinction in 2011, however it only applies to 1% of the country's cocoa exports; there are also just 17 nations worldwide who have earned the moniker.
Though Vietnam has only been growing cocoa for about a decade and its industry remains relatively small, the country's cocoa exports have received a boost in recent years thanks to top-quality producers like Marou and Puratos Grand-Place, Vietnam's largest cocoa buyer. For ICCO's World Cocoa Conference, the duo were also instrumental in assisting Vietnam with its application for the fine flavor distinction.
Moving forward, this recognition is good news for Vietnamese cocoa, however the country also faces some challenges in sustaining its cocoa industry. At the moment, many farmers choose to switch to other crops because they are more profitable; perhaps this new distinction will help to not only raise Vietnam's reputation in the cocoa world but also raise the earning power of its farmers.
[Photo via Foto-Grafo]
