Our journey with Alto Peaks began unexpectedly in 2019, sparked by a challenge my wife faced while following a low-carb diet. The scarcity of pure dark chocolate in local stores prompted us to explore crafting our own. This initial idea led us on a journey of experimentation and discovery, as we delved into various chocolate varieties and techniques. To equip ourselves for this endeavor, I immersed myself in extensive research on the cacao industry, including attending seminars such as the Cacao Farming class by CIDAMI and the GAP seminar on best practices. In October 2019, participation in the inaugural "Kakao-Konek" Forum in Davao City provided invaluable insights into the cacao industry's dynamics. Armed with newfound knowledge, we commenced production and honed our craft, eventually achieving our first milestone: crafting dark chocolate with 70% pure cacao and 30% sweetener.
Despite being novices in the chocolate industry, our dedication bore fruit in December 2019 when we received two promising offers: a Japanese client expressing interest in our Premium Unsweetened Tablea and a Filipino-American seeking to distribute our chocolates in the US market. Though equipment and certifications were lacking, these opportunities underscored the potential of our venture. Despite failing to secure agreements with these clients, we remained resolute in our vision to pioneer locally-made chocolates of exceptional quality.
encapsulates our ethos, reflecting our commitment to working with local partners to produce chocolates meeting international standards. The name 'Alto Peak' serves as a reminder of our humble beginnings and our aspiration to reach great heights in chocolate-making. Looking ahead, we envision converting our property in Cabintan, Ormoc City into a cacao farm with a café to welcome future tourists. While this dream remains aspirational, it fuels our passion for crafting chocolates that epitomize excellence.
Reflecting on our journey thus far, I am proud of the innovation and growth that have brought us to this point. As we chart our course forward, we remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of chocolate-making, exploring new flavors, techniques, and technologies.
Our unwavering passion for chocolate-making drives us, and we eagerly anticipate the adventures that lie ahead in our pursuit of creating unique and delectable chocolate products that our customers adore.