Vietnam's Ban Cacao Earns Top Provincial Honor for Premium Chocolate Innovation

Ban Cacao, a chocolate producer based in Lâm Đồng Province, has earned a three-star provincial rating under Việt Nam’s 'One Commune, One Product' initiative. The company, founded in 2023, specialises in premium chocolate bars, butter, and powder for global distribution. Two 32-year-old ethnic minority entrepreneurs, Lương Thị Duyên and Bế Thị Thu Huyền, established Ban Cacao in Cát Tiên 2 Commune. Duyên, a law graduate, and Huyền, trained in finance and accounting, built the business on a foundation of local cocoa cultivation. The region has grown cocoa since a state-backed project began in 2009.

The company now employs over 20 local ethnic minority staff. It sources cocoa from 15 households, processing 2-3 tonnes weekly, with output rising to 4-5 tonnes during peak seasons. Ban Cacao offers more than 15 chocolate bar flavours, cocoa grades from 72% to 100%, as well as cocoa butter and powder.

Its products are sold in Hà Nội, Đà Lạt, Hồ Chí Minh City, Phú Quốc, and Nha Trang. They are also available on online platforms like Shopee, Lazada, Facebook, and TikTok. In 2022, Ban Cacao won the top prize in Lâm Đồng’s 'Creative Startup Ideas' contest. The three-star provincial rating recognises Ban Cacao’s growth and quality. The company continues to expand its product range and market reach. Its success reflects the efforts of local farmers and the founders’ commitment to premium chocolate production.