On July 4, 2024, Thailand’s cacao and chocolate industry entered a new era with the official launch of the Thai Trade Association of Cocoa and Chocolate (TACCO). The announcement was made during a press conference held at Seacon Square Srinakarin, Bangkok, in conjunction with the Thailand Craft Chocolate Fest 2024 (TCCF)—now in its fourth year. The event is a landmark annual celebration that aims to elevate Thailand’s craft cacao and chocolate industry to global standards.
The launch was made possible through the collaboration of prominent organizations and companies, including the Federation of Thai Industries, the Department of Industrial Promotion, Chumphon Horticultural Research Center, Wandee Culinary College, Food Covery Co., Ltd., CLP Group, Trang Cannery Co., Ltd., and M&E Fitting Inter Supply. More than 17 leading Thai craft chocolate producers participated, showcasing cacao and chocolate products grown, processed, and crafted entirely in Thailand.
Brands included Pridi CACAOFEVIER, Siamaya Chocolate, Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Chanthaburi, Thai Coffee & Cocoa, Boo Chocolate (Chiang Rai), Madame Cocoa (Uthai Thani), T-Rak Craft Chocolate (Kanchanaburi), and Mira Chocolate (Korat), among others.
TACCO’s Mission: Uniting the Industry to Compete Globally
TACCO was founded with a clear mission: to build a collaborative ecosystem across the entire cacao and chocolate value chain—from upstream farmers and midstream processors to downstream manufacturers and international distributors. The association seeks to strengthen production quality, promote uniquely Thai processing and flavor profiles, and increase the visibility of Thai cacao and chocolate in global markets.
With support from both the public and private sectors, TACCO aims to foster a sustainable, stable future for Thailand’s cacao industry. The event attracted a broad range of attendees, including government representatives, private-sector stakeholders, cacao farmers, and individuals passionate about the future of Thai chocolate.
Raising Standards Through Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
TACCO’s formation responds to the growing need for an organized body that can coordinate and elevate the Thai cacao and chocolate sector. It unites key players—farmers, chocolatiers, researchers, traders, and technologists—to work collaboratively toward shared goals. The association will serve as a hub for international cooperation, encouraging knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and market expansion strategies that can enhance the quality and competitiveness of Thai products on the world stage.
Government Support: A Foundation for Long-Term Growth
At the launch event, government representatives underscored the strategic importance of supporting the cacao and chocolate industry as part of Thailand’s broader goals for sustainable agriculture and food innovation. National policies are being shaped to support the development of cacao varieties suited to Thailand’s climate and to incentivize farmers to adopt cacao cultivation and value-added product development.
The Ministry of Industry is also working to raise production standards and quality control to ensure that Thai products meet international benchmarks. TACCO will play a central role in facilitating coordination with relevant agencies and disseminating information across the industry.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Promising Opportunities
While the establishment of TACCO marks a major step forward, the industry still faces challenges—including competition from imported products, brand-building hurdles, and the need to establish strong global consumer confidence in Thai chocolate.
Nonetheless, TACCO sees abundant opportunities. These include expanding into new markets, developing innovative, health-conscious, and premium chocolate products, and establishing Thailand as a credible source of high-quality, origin-driven cacao and chocolate.
Conclusion: A Vision for Sustainable Growth
The formation of the Thai Trade Association of Cocoa and Chocolate (TACCO) represents a pivotal step in positioning Thailand as a leader in the global cacao and chocolate industry. With collective support from government agencies, private enterprises, and industry stakeholders, TACCO is set to become a driving force in advancing the industry toward a sustainable, prosperous future—both domestically and internationally.
On July 4, 2024, Thailand’s cacao and chocolate industry entered a new era with the official launch of the Thai Trade Association of Cocoa and Chocolate (TACCO). The announcement was made during a press conference held at Seacon Square Srinakarin, Bangkok, in conjunction with the Thailand Craft Chocolate Fest 2024 (TCCF)—now in its fourth year. The event is a landmark annual celebration that aims to elevate Thailand’s craft cacao and chocolate industry to global standards.
The launch was made possible through the collaboration of prominent organizations and companies, including the Federation of Thai Industries, the Department of Industrial Promotion, Chumphon Horticultural Research Center, Wandee Culinary College, Food Covery Co., Ltd., CLP Group, Trang Cannery Co., Ltd., and M&E Fitting Inter Supply. More than 17 leading Thai craft chocolate producers participated, showcasing cacao and chocolate products grown, processed, and crafted entirely in Thailand. Brands included Pridi CACAOFEVIER, Siamaya Chocolate, Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Chanthaburi, Thai Coffee & Cocoa, Boo Chocolate (Chiang Rai), Madame Cocoa (Uthai Thani), T-Rak Craft Chocolate (Kanchanaburi), and Mira Chocolate (Korat), among others.
TACCO’s Mission: Uniting the Industry to Shine Globally
TACCO was founded with a clear mission: to build a collaborative ecosystem across the entire cacao and chocolate value chain—from upstream farmers and midstream processors to downstream manufacturers and international distributors. The association seeks to strengthen production quality, promote uniquely Thai processing and flavor profiles, and increase the visibility of Thai cacao and chocolate in global markets.
With support from both the public and private sectors, TACCO aims to foster a sustainable, stable future for Thailand’s cacao industry. The event attracted a broad range of attendees, including government representatives, private-sector stakeholders, cacao farmers, and individuals passionate about the future of Thai chocolate.
Raising Standards Through Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
TACCO’s formation responds to the growing need for an organized body that can coordinate and elevate the Thai cacao and chocolate sector. It unites key players—farmers, chocolatiers, researchers, traders, and technologists—to work collaboratively toward shared goals. The association will serve as a hub for international cooperation, encouraging knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and market expansion strategies that can enhance the quality and competitiveness of Thai products on the world stage.
Government Support: A Foundation for Long-Term Growth
At the launch event, government representatives underscored the strategic importance of supporting the cacao and chocolate industry as part of Thailand’s broader goals for sustainable agriculture and food innovation. National policies are being shaped to support the development of cacao varieties suited to Thailand’s climate and to incentivize farmers to adopt cacao cultivation and value-added product development.
The Ministry of Industry is also working to raise production standards and quality control to ensure that Thai products meet international benchmarks. TACCO will play a central role in facilitating coordination with relevant agencies and disseminating information across the industry.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Promising Opportunities
While the establishment of TACCO marks a major step forward, the industry still faces challenges—including competition from imported products, brand-building hurdles, and the need to establish strong global consumer confidence in Thai chocolate.
Nonetheless, TACCO sees abundant opportunities. These include expanding into new markets, developing innovative, health-conscious, and premium chocolate products, and establishing Thailand as a credible source of high-quality, origin-driven cacao and chocolate.
Conclusion: A Vision for Sustainable Growth
The formation of the Thai Trade Association of Cocoa and Chocolate (TACCO) represents a pivotal step in positioning Thailand as a leader in the global cacao and chocolate industry. With collective support from government agencies, private enterprises, and industry stakeholders, TACCO is set to become a driving force in advancing the industry toward a sustainable, prosperous future—both domestically and internationally.