Barako Coffee

Theo and Philo, based in the Philippines, operates as a bean-to-bar artisan producer. The brand focuses on highlighting local agricultural ingredients, transforming raw cacao and coffee into finished bars within their own facility. Each 45-gram bar represents a commitment to showcasing regional flavors through careful processing.

The Barako Coffee bar is a milk chocolate variety that integrates sugar, cacao beans, cocoa butter, milk powder, and ground coffee beans. The production process involves a documented fermentation and drying protocol for the beans, followed by refining in a melanger to achieve texture before final tempering. The inclusion of Barako coffee, a variety native to the Philippines, provides a distinct profile that complements the creaminess of the milk chocolate base.

The brand emphasizes a direct trade model for sourcing its ingredients. By maintaining these relationships, they ensure that the cocoa beans are handled according to specific standards from harvest through to the final bar. This approach supports the local farming communities while maintaining control over the quality of the raw inputs.