Project News

The Local Working Group (LWG) for the cacao processing industry and target chocolate producers, members of the Association of Celebes Chocolate Producers (APECC), held a joint meeting at the end of December 2014 with the participation of a member of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) in order to review supporting activities/services facilitated by LWG members and other stakeholders, actions taken by the chocolate producer, and the outcomes of those efforts in 2014, and to discuss an action plan for 2015.

While improving and diversifying their chocolate products through technical assistance provided by the said supporters, the chocolate producers continuously conducted marketing visits to potential buyers in the local modern segment (26 buyers as of the meeting) in order to establish stable sales channels. A good number of transactions with these buyers in the modern segment have commenced: 17 transactions in total (two supermarkets, 14 groceries/souvenir shops, and one hotel). The sales of nine target producers have been gradually but steadily increasing over the year of 2014, with average monthly sales of Rp. 30 million (JPY 300,000) and annual sales of Rp. 300 million (JPY 3 million).

The LWG agreed to continue supporting the target producers with the vision of promoting the regional brand "Central Sulawesi Chocolate" and they revised the action plan, focusing on enlarging stable sales channels through promotion activities/support such as the installation of special shelves and attractive displays (POP advertisements) in each consignee outlet.

Chocolate products on display at a local outlet

LWG meeting with target chocolate producers