In early 2017, BCG has started exporting cocoa directly to MARS Group. This bodes well for BCG’s cocoa export business, reflecting the appropriate application of sustainable development standards and a closed-loop connection in developing this kind of resource.

This cocoa shipment has been selected by BCG in accordance with international standards from the Highlands and Southwest regions and exported to MARS Group. Currently, MARS Group purchases almost 90% of cocoa production in Vietnam for export activities. The total cocoa export volume of Vietnam averages about 2,800 – 3,000 tons per year, however has dropped down to 2,000 – 2,200 tons this year due to long lasting floods and salt-marsh. BCG’s technical team has also helped advise farmers on how to preserve the quality of cocoa beans in unfavorable weather conditions. In 2017, BCG’s cocoa export volume is expected to account for 30% of market share in Vietnam.

The large field project of cocoa in Trang Bom District, Dong Nai Province has successfully intercropped 10 hectares of cocoa with cashews after five months of testing. In September 2016, farmers in the project area have also agreed to expedite land-processing to prepare for the first 120 hectares in 2017.

3rd year cocoa tree intercropped with cashews has been tested successfully in Trang Bom District, Dong Nai Province.

According to the International Cocoa Organization, there are only two countries in Asia – Vietnam and Indonesia, that meet high cocoa standards in which Vietnam’s rate of high quality cocoa is 40%, far exceeding Indonesia’s rate of 1%. Therefore, in the future, Vietnam has great potential to become the main exporter of high quality cocoa to global markets.