Find some of the best local chocolatiers and chocolate artisans listed below
Cover Photo: Simone van der Koelen \ Unsplash

Treat yourself to some high-quality chocolate and take pride in the local artisans behind these homegrown brands.

Who doesn't love chocolate? So why not celebrate by loving local and supporting home-grown brands created by proud Filipinos! We have listed out a top-list that is drool-worthy and will have you craving for chocolate. These are some of the best brands and producers of local chocolate in the country some of which utilise local cacao beans and sustainable farming practices too. Each one has its own unique flavours, and beautiful packaging too, which makes giving them as gifts an easy choice. 

Read more: Where To Buy Chocolate Croissants

1. Theo + Philo

“Theo is short for Theobroma Cacao, the scientific name of the cacao tree, which is the source of all chocolate. Philo is derived from the Greek word, philos, which means love. Love for the Philippines and its many flavourful characteristics, and a love of chocolate.” - Theo + Philo 

Founded by Philo Chua, this company has developed a chic aesthetic with stunning packaging that can compete with international brands. They have even ventured into spreads, beverages, and cookies. Place your orders online or pick up some chocolate at Human Nature, ECHO Store, Cartel Deli, Blue Kitchen, Kultura, Rustan’s Department Store, and their other stockists, listed here.

What to try: Dark chocolate with Calamansi, Dark chocolate with green mango and salt, milk chocolate turon, milk chocolate adobo

Visit their website: theoandphilo.com

Read More: Where to buy Vegan Ice Cream

2. Auro

Founded by Gen T Honouree Mark Ocampo and his partner Kelly Go, Auro has quickly risen to the ranks and has become top of mind for local chocolate. Passionate about sustainable practices and fair trade, and about representing the country internationally Auro has strived to put its best foot forward. They have been changing the chocolate landscape in the country with unique collaborations with a variety of local and international brands, winning awards, and constantly bursting with interesting innovations. They have even opened an Auro Cafe in Bahrain and have most recently collaborated with Kora, New York and Daniel Corpuz from Netflix's School of Chocolate! 

What to try: Custom bars made especially for your events, milk chocolate with banana chips, dark chocolate with Arabica coffee, white chocolate with mango pili

Visit their website: aurochocolate.com

Read more: Foodie Finds With Mark Ocampo Co-Founder Of Auro Chocolate

3. Tigre y Oliva

Tigre y Oliva was founded by the Italian Simone Mastrota, who then partnered with Robbie Crisostomo. Simone named the company after his daughters and opened their chocolate outpost in La Union. Tigre y Oliva utilises the cacao bean’s natural flavour, which is very dependent on where it is grown, to enhance the taste of their products. With elegant, clean branding and beautiful paper packaging, Tigre y Oliva would make a much-welcomed gift! Not only do they make classic chocolate bars but a variety of sweet treats that you ought to try. 

Read More: 12 Chocolate-Filled Recipes From 12 Famous Food Personalities

4. Malagos

The multi-awarded, internationally recognised Malagos chocolate is dedicated to highlighting Davao as a chocolate capital. They also strongly advocate for sustainable farming practices. You can find Malagos at Kultura, ECHO Store, All About Baking, Duty Free Philippines, Metro Gaisano, Gourdo’s, and other resellers listed here.

What to try: Malagos dark chocolate, salted caramel chocolate

Visit their website: malagoschocolate.com

Read more: Tatler's Guide To The Best Cake

5. True Chocolate

Treena Tecson’s passion for chocolate drove her to become a chocolatier! She threw herself into her passion and learned all about how to make chocolates. Now, Treena crafts True Chocolate’s creations by hand in small batches, jam-packed with love. True Chocolates are only available for order online via their website; pick up or delivery information will then be provided.

Visit their website: truechocolateph.com

Read more: 14 Classic Filipino Desserts You Need To Try

6. Pia's Fine Chocolate

When her husband Alex brought home beautiful imported chocolates from his speciality grocer Bacchus Epicerie, Pia Lichaytoo put her newfound culinary skills to the test. After playing around with the chocolate and enrolling in professional classes to hone the technical finesse that delicate confections demand, she officially launched Pia's Fine Chocolate. Her exquisite rocky road, cakes, beautiful bonbons and a variety of chocolate confections are available to order via Instagram.

Read More: Pia Lichaytoo Couldn't Scramble An Egg, Now She's A Brilliant Chocolatier

7. 1919 Chocolate

In 2019, Kay brought home some beans from her family's 100-year-old cacao farm based in Batangas. Karl, her husband, soon started to experiment and innovate with these beans, and not long after, 1919 Chocolate was born. Today, the tree-to-bar chocolatier has won global recognition and remains family-owned with small-batch productions. You may place your orders through their website, which details their collection of chocolate goods including spreads, tea, nibs, and an array of different bars.

Visit their website: 1919chocolate.ph

Read More: 12 Chocolate-Filled Recipes From 12 Famous Food Personalities

NOW READ

Asian Chocolate: Meet 17 Of Asia’s Best Chocolate Producers

How Social Enterprise Auro Chocolate Is Empowering Farmers In The Philippines

Try Making These Desserts in your Rice Cooker 

Topics