Garcia named new chair of Philippine Cacao Industry Development Council

MANILA, Philippines — Armi Lopez Garcia, CEO of Cebu-based Tablea Chocolate, was elected last Dec.9 as the new national chairperson of the Philippine Cacao Industry Development Council. Garcia was unanimously elected national chairperson by all regional Cacao Development Councils from all over the Philippines, in absentia, to succeed past national chairperson Valente Turtur. She will assume her duties on January 2021.

The Philippine Cacao Development Council works closely with the Department of Agriculture with Usec. Evelyn Lavina as the co-chairperson of the council representing the government, together with the Departments of Trade and Industry, Science and Technology, and Health and the other government sectors that are crucial in attaining its vision.

Garcia launched the first Chocolate Cafe in Cebu in 2010. Tablea Chocolate pioneered  the creation homegrown, artisanal and innovative chocolate products in Cebu. Her passion for turning heirloom recipes in world-class products has been lauded in the Philippines and internationally. As the president of the national council, she aims to promote innovative chocolate products locally and globally.

Garcia is also the honorary consul of the Russian Federation in the Philippines for the Visayas since 2007 and is the first Filipino to get the Order of Friendship from President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin Palace for her efforts in improving Philippine-Russian relations.