Twenty-three-year-old Ethan Kyle Lim is leading their family chocolate business Cacao de Davao into a new era of growth and innovation.
After graduating in 2023 with a degree in Marketing Management from San Pedro College in Davao, Lim took the reins of the business founded by his grandfather in 2013.
At a young age, Lim expanded Cacao de Davao’s presence, managing operations across several cities, including Cebu, Davao, Cagayan, Butuan and Manila.
Family legacy
“Growing up in Manila, I never imagined I’d be here in Davao, immersed in the world of cacao and agriculture,” said Lim. “But my grandfather’s passion for this business drew me in. He taught me everything from how the cacao beans are grown to the details of our production process.”
His grandfather, who remains active in farming, initially handled the business’s small-scale operations. Lim’s fresh vision and marketing background pushed the family venture to new heights, transforming it into a known brand for premium, single-origin Davao chocolate.
Cacao de Davao’s kiosks, located in major malls across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, are designed to reach as many Filipinos as possible.
Lim oversees the production and distribution of a wide range of products—about 48 to 50 different stock keeping units from tablea to 70% dark chocolate bars, cacao powder and ready-to-eat chocolate bars in unique flavors like mint, chili and durian.
“Our best-sellers are tablea and our plain 70 percent chocolate, all made with pure, preservative-free Davao beans,” he said. “We source from our own farm in Davao City, as well as from local farmers. It’s important to us to support the community, so we buy beans directly from local farmers.”
Supporting farmers
Working with local farmers is more than just business; it is a commitment to Lim. “Davao’s cacao industry is vibrant but challenging, especially with bean prices rising. Supporting our farmers is essential for us because, without them, we wouldn’t have the quality beans we need. My grandfather always emphasized this, and it’s a principle I’m determined to uphold,” he said.
Expansion is a key focus for Lim. He has carved out a growth path for the enterprise to grow by putting up more kiosks, increasing its mall and grocery presence and ultimately building a large showroom in Davao City, where customers can have a first-hand experience of Cacao de Davao.
Covering around 600 square meters, the facility showcases the chocolate production process, from bean to bar, giving visitors a chance to appreciate the craftsmanship behind every product.
“The showroom will serve as a platform to promote Davao’s chocolate industry. We want people to know that world-class chocolate can be made right here in the Philippines,” he said.
Despite his focus on growth, Lim keeps prices accessible. “We aim to offer high-quality chocolate at affordable prices. Our products are for everyone, we want consumers from the ABC markets to experience how good local chocolate is, and that’s why we keep our prices competitive,” he said.
Challenges such as rising production costs and climate impact haven’t deterred him. “We have to be adaptable. Typhoons and weather changes affect our sales, especially in Manila, but we continue supporting our resellers and customers by offering discounts to keep our products affordable,” he said.
Vision for global reach
While deeply committed to the local market, Lim is also eyeing international expansion, particularly in China. His grandfather previously exported small quantities of raw cacao beans to China, and now, Ethan is working with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to explore larger-scale exports of processed and ready-to-eat chocolate.
Balancing tradition with modern strategies, Lim emphasizes the importance of online platforms for Cacao de Davao’s growth. The business now reaches customers on Facebook, Instagram, Shopee and Lazada, with plans to open a TikTok shop soon.
Although he’s still young, Lim’s commitment to the family business runs deep. “I’m the eldest of four, and although my siblings help out when they can, I’m the one fully committed to this venture,” he said.
Lim’s life is centered on his work, leaving little time for personal pursuits. When he’s not working, Ethan enjoys spending time with family, playing basketball and running. He also dedicates time to speaking engagements and sharing his experience and knowledge with the farmers.
Recently, he was invited to speak at Ateneo de Davao, a moment he recalls fondly. “It was an honor to share my journey with the Jesuit community,” he said.
Looking ahead, Lim remains focused on his mission to elevate Davao’s chocolate industry.
“We’re committed to helping Davao become known as the chocolate capital of the Philippines. To me, this isn’t just a job, it’s my family’s legacy. My grandfather taught me the value of respecting the land, the farmers, and our customers. That’s what drives me every day,” he said.
