Workers at a cacao factory. (Photo: VNA)A business in southern Dong Nai province is taking the lead in producing UTZ certificated chocolate for outbound shipments to regional nations.
The Trong Duc Cocoa Co. Ltd is closely working with its Japanese partner to prepare the first batch for shipping in early 2016. It aims to process up to 40 tonnes of fresh cocoa pods annually and targets Japan, the Republic of Korea and Taiwan (China) as potential export markets.
The company has thus far created a network of farmers across Dinh Quan, Tan Phu, Thong Nhat and Xuan Loc districts to develop 1,000 hectares of cocoa trees, 134 hectares of which have obtained the UTZ Certified Good Inside.
UTZ Certified is a creditable programme and label for sustainable coffee and cocoa farming and is featured on more than 10,000 different product packages in over 116 countries.
Under the programme, local farmers are equipped with improved and greener agricultural methods, which help cut costs and raise productivity.
Each kilogram of dried beans fulfilling UTZ criteria is sold for 2,500 VND (0.11 USD) higher than the average price.-VNA
