- Client Name: Don Cris Cacao
- Industry: Chocolate & Cacao Products (FMCG / Artisan Foods)
- Type: Privately Held
- Location: Philippines
- Website: www.doncriscacao.com
About the client
Don Cris Cacao is a sourcing and consolidation company specializing in premium-grade cacao beans directly from plantations in Misamis Oriental and across the Philippines. Built on a strong heritage of farming and deep respect for cacao traditions, Don Cris Cacao aims to connect the finest raw cacao with local and international buyers — including chocolatiers, artisan makers, grocers, and distributors.
To strengthen its market entry, Don Cris Cacao also introduced a line of small-batch, high-quality chocolate products, designed to showcase the potential of their raw cacao in the artisan chocolate world.
Challenge
When Don Cris Cacao approached El Brand, they faced a set of startup-stage challenges:
Previous Launch Misalignment: The business had soft-launched before but lacked the brand presence, messaging clarity, and visual identity needed to represent their premium sourcing capabilities.
Complex Brand Story: They needed to clearly communicate that they were primarily a premium cacao bean provider — not just a consumer-facing chocolate brand — while also using their chocolate products as a bridge to new markets.
Product Positioning: Differentiating their raw cacao offerings against growing competition in Southeast Asia and globally.
Singapore Market Entry: Building brand awareness and forging B2B connections in a discerning, high-standard market like Singapore.
Limited Media and PR Exposure: The business had not yet established a strong media presence or industry buzz beyond their immediate network.
Opportunity
The Don Cris Cacao team had unique strengths to build on:
Premium Sourcing Expertise: Direct plantation relationships and rigorous quality control positioned them as a trusted supplier.
Authentic Brand Story: A real family legacy rooted in Philippine cacao farming — a story that could appeal strongly to craft chocolate makers and conscious buyers.
Growing Demand for Traceable, Ethical Cacao: The artisan and premium chocolate movement worldwide demands better bean sourcing, creating ripe opportunities for expansion.
Tapping into New Markets: Singapore, with its growing fine chocolate scene, hospitality industry, and export potential, offered a strategic gateway to global markets.
Solution
El Brand delivered a full-scale brand development and business expansion support plan, including:
Brand Identity Revamp: Redesigned the logo and branding to better reflect the agricultural roots, quality promise, and family heritage behind Don Cris Cacao.
Crafted a brand identity that felt credible for the sourcing business while remaining flexible for eventual chocolate product storytelling.
Story Narrative Development:
Created a clear brand narrative separating Don Cris Cacao’s primary role as a cacao bean supplier from its emerging artisan chocolate line.
Highlighted the family values, farm-to-market transparency, and commitment to quality that set them apart.
Product USP Identification:
Identified key differentiators such as single-origin sourcing, ethical partnerships with farmers, and strict quality standards for raw beans.
Positioned the chocolate line as a showcase of what Don Cris cacao can become in the hands of expert chocolatiers.
Website Development:
Built a website that supported both B2B inquiries for raw cacao supply and B2C engagement for the artisan chocolate products.
Balanced professional sourcing information with storytelling that could engage the growing global chocolate movement.
Pocket PR Launch Event:
Organized an intimate, highly targeted launch event in the Philippines designed to introduce the brand to media, potential buyers, and key chocolate community figures.
Despite budget constraints, crafted an experience that emphasized quality, traceability, and the founders’ personal passion for cacao.
PR and Media Relations:
Developed a targeted media kit and press outreach plan focusing on the Philippines’ emerging role in global cacao, and Don Cris Cacao’s dedication to quality sourcing.
Secured early interest from food and agriculture-focused media outlets.
Business Development in Singapore:
Conducted outreach to specialty chocolate makers, gourmet shops, and fine food distributors to introduce Don Cris Cacao’s raw bean supply capabilities.
Opened initial discussions with key players in the chocolate and hospitality industry.
Social Media Management:
Launched educational and storytelling content focused on cacao sourcing, quality processes, and the brand’s artisan chocolate showcase.
Built a steady, organic online presence aligned with premium market expectations.
Results
Clearer Brand Positioning:
Don Cris Cacao now has a refined brand presence that highlights its primary business as a premium cacao bean supplier while using its chocolate products to build emotional brand recognition.
Stronger Market Entry:
The pocket PR launch generated early buzz, meaningful conversations, and initial B2B leads in the Singapore market.
Website and Digital Growth:
The new website serves as a strong foundation for inbound business inquiries, storytelling, and community-building among chocolate enthusiasts and businesses alike.
Media and PR Presence:
Strategic media outreach helped put Don Cris Cacao on the radar of food and agriculture journalists, setting the stage for continued brand visibility.
Foundation for Regional Expansion:
With a strong brand identity, professional website, and initial Singapore connections, Don Cris Cacao is now positioned to grow into Southeast Asia’s premium cacao supply scene and beyond.
