The Establishment of the Thai Cacao and Chocolate Trade Association (TACCO)
On July 4, 2024, the Thai cacao and chocolate industry entered a new era with the establishment of the Thai Cacao and Chocolate Trade Association, known as TACCO (Thai Trade Association of Cacao and Chocolate). The official launch event was held at Seacon Square, Srinakarin, Bangkok, in conjunction with the Thailand Craft Chocolate Fest ’24 (TCCF). This annual craft chocolate event, now in its fourth year, aims to elevate the Thai craft Cacao and chocolate industry to international standards.
The event garnered support from numerous leading 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. Over 17 craft chocolate brands showcased cocoa and chocolate products cultivated, processed, and crafted in Thailand. Notable brands included Pridi CACAOFEVIER, Siamaya Chocolate, Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Chanthaburi, Thai Coffee & Cocoa, Boo Chocolate Chiang Rai, Madam Cocoa Uthai Thani, T-Rak Craft Chocolate Kanchanaburi, and Mira Chocolate Korat, among others.
TACCO’s Mission: Building a Network of Collaboration
The primary goal of TACCO is to create a collaborative network among Cacao and chocolate entrepreneurs across the value chain—upstream, midstream, and downstream—both domestically and internationally. This initiative aims to promote the unique quality, processing, and crafting of Thai cocoa and chocolate products, enhancing their global reputation. With support from both the public and private sectors, TACCO envisions a secure and sustainable future for Thailand’s Cacao industry. The event saw enthusiastic participation from government representatives, private sector leaders, agricultural entrepreneurs, and industry enthusiasts.
TACCO’s Inception: Elevating Standards and Fostering Partnerships
TACCO was established to meet the growing need to advance Thailand’s Cacao and chocolate industry to the global stage. This marks a significant milestone in uniting stakeholders, including Cacao farmers, chocolate producers, traders, researchers, and technology experts, within the industry.
TACCO aims to act as a bridge for fostering both domestic and international partnerships, facilitating knowledge exchange, technological innovation, and the development of new approaches to enhance the quality of Thai Cacao and chocolate products while expanding their reach to global markets.
Government Support: A New Step Towards Sustainable Development
At the press conference, government representatives highlighted the importance of supporting Thailand’s Cacao and chocolate industry as part of their goals for sustainable agricultural and food industry development. Policies include the promotion of Cacao varieties suited to Thailand’s climate and incentives for farmers to grow Cacao and produce high-quality products.
The Ministry of Industry, in particular, has prioritized the development of production standards and quality control to enhance competitiveness in global markets. TACCO is expected to play a crucial role as a central hub for information and coordination with related agencies.
The Future of Thailand’s Cocoa and Chocolate Industry: Challenges and Opportunities
While the establishment of TACCO is a critical step toward sustainable growth in Thailand’s Cacao and chocolate industry, challenges remain. These include competition from international products, building strong brand identities, and earning global market trust.
Nevertheless, TACCO sees abundant opportunities for the industry, such as expanding both domestic and international markets, developing innovative products that meet contemporary consumer demands, and fostering global consumer confidence in the quality of Thai products.
Conclusion
The establishment of the Thai Cacao and Chocolate Trade Association (TACCO) is a pivotal step towards achieving global success for the industry. With collaboration from the public sector, private enterprises, and all stakeholders, TACCO is poised to lead Thailand’s Cacao and chocolate industry into a bright and sustainable future.
