DAVAO — A major win for Davao's cacao industry has been sealed. Local chocolate maker Cacao de Davao will begin supplying Philippine Airlines (PAL) with its signature products starting October 31, 2026, a partnership that puts Dabawenyo flavors on the global stage.
A Sweet Partnership Takes Flight
The five-year agreement will see Cacao de Davao provide 50,000 bags of chocolate products monthly to the flag carrier. These treats will be distributed on all PAL domestic and international flights and in airport lounges. The initial monthly contract value is pegged at ₱1 million.
CEO Ethan Kyle Lim expressed excitement about the deal's potential. He noted that passengers will soon enjoy Davao's distinct chocolate flavors, including bars with 50% and 70% cocoa. Lim specifically pushed for the inclusion of durian chocolate, aiming to highlight the region's unique taste profile to a global audience.
A Boost for Local Cacao Farmers
This partnership is a significant economic win for the region's agricultural sector. Cacao de Davao sources its beans directly from farms in the Calinan District of Davao City. The stable, high-volume demand from PAL provides these farmers with a reliable market for their produce.
The deal directly addresses a major challenge faced by smallholder farmers: income volatility. A guaranteed monthly order of this scale means financial security and the ability to invest back into their farms. It strengthens the entire local cacao supply chain from bean to bar.
From Family Farm to National Stage
The story of Cacao de Davao is one of humble beginnings and ambitious growth. The brand traces its roots to a modest tablea family farm founded in 2013 by Lim's grandfather, Cezar Lim. What started as a small venture has now evolved into a national brand offering nearly 50 cocoa products.
Under the leadership of young CEO Ethan Kyle Lim, the company has aggressively expanded its reach. Retail kiosks now span from Davao to Manila and beyond. This partnership with PAL marks its most significant leap yet into the mainstream market.
Celebrating Davao's Identity
For Lim, this partnership is about more than just business. It is a powerful platform for promoting regional pride and craftsmanship. Putting Davao chocolates in the hands of travelers is a form of edible storytelling. It introduces the world to the rich, complex flavors born from the region's unique terroir.
The Davao Region is the acknowledged cacao capital of the Philippines, producing the vast majority of the country's crop. This airline deal cements that reputation. Every bag of chocolate served on a PAL flight is a testament to the world-class quality emerging from Davao.
