In an effort to strengthen international partnerships to support local farmers in the Philippines, Eddy van Gelder and Robert van Gelder, representing the Netherlands-based Fats and Oil company Olivet, joined Arjen Bulk, the Fundraising Account Manager at Woord en Daad, on a recent visit to the Kennemer Cacao Center in Calinan, Davao City.

During their visit on June 3, the Dutch visitors had the opportunity to witness firsthand the entire process of collecting and processing cacao beans, from the fruit to the dried beans. The Kennemer Cacao Center provided an immersive experience, showcasing the meticulous steps involved in handling cacao operations, including the purchasing, fermenting, drying, and packaging of the dried cacao beans.

The visitors were accompanied by KFI CEO Rodrick Kutinyo and BaiAni Foundation Executive Director Arnel Astillero, who guided them through the various operations at the KCC Calinan site. This visit provided a valuable opportunity for the Dutch visitors to gain insights into the operations and techniques employed by Kennemer, a leading cacao company in the region.

After the tour of the facilities, representatives from Agronomika Finance, Kennemer Eco Solutions, and Field Officers for the Abaca Project of KFI shared insights into their respective programs and the pivotal role they play in helping Kennemer achieve its vision and mission. 

The visit served as a platform for knowledge exchange and discussion, allowing the Dutch visitors to explore potential areas of cooperation with Kennemer and its partner organizations. The visitors expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn from Kennemer's expertise and praised the center's commitment to sustainable cacao production.

Kennemer Cacao Center continues to serve as a catalyst for the growth and development of the cacao industry in Davao City and the Philippines at large. With international collaborations and knowledge-sharing initiatives like this visit, the center aims to further enhance its impact and promote sustainable practices within the cacao sector.