Indonesia is the one of largest
cacao producing country.
We work hand in hand with local farmers
to cultivate and deliver exceptional cacao—grown
with care, passion, and expertise.
Finest Fruity Cacao
All of our cacao comes from Indonesia.
Our name, Kakao Indonesia Cemerlang, means
"The Brilliance of Indonesian Cacao."
We are committed to producing high-quality,
aromatic cacao in Sulawesi, one of Indonesia’s
richest cacao-producing regions.
Unlocking the True Flavor of Chocolate
—Through Fermentation
Indonesia is one of the world's leading cacao producers.
However, Its cacao beans have not been highly regarded as an ingredient for premium chocolate.
As a result, quality has not been a priority, and the cacao is primarily used as a fat blended with other chocolates to improve texture and mouthfeel.
The main reason for this is the lack of proper fermentation
—a crucial process that enhances the flavor and aroma of chocolate.
Cacao Farmers
Cultivation
Harvesting
Taking off
the beans
with pulpe
Sorting wet beans
Kakao Indonesia Cemerlang
Fermentation
Drying
Sorting
Sending to
our customers
Our Cacao Journey
Regardless of the effort put into growing cacao, both high-quality and lower-quality beans are traded at prices dictated by the international market, with little consideration for quality.
To change this, we work directly with cacao farmers, collaborating to cultivate and process high-quality cacao at the source.
Also we purchase cacao beans directly from farmers at a price higher than the market rate.
Cacao that farmers have carefully cultivated, as well as cacao that has not been given the same attention, are both influenced by the international market, where trade prices are unrelated to quality.
To overcome this situation, we collaborate with cacao farmers and are involved in cultivating high-quality cacao directly at the source.
KIC’s Initiatives in Collaboration with Farmers
Cultivating
High-Quality Cacao
We provide advice on cacao cultivation and maintenance methods tailored to the land.
Sorting Cacao Beans
We guide farmers in selecting cacao beans to achieve optimal fermentation.
Promoting Replanting and
Seedling Cultivation
As aging trees lead to decreased yields,
we encourage the replanting of seedlings.
Pest and Disease Control
We conduct experimental studies to reduce damage caused by pests and diseases
KIC directly purchases cacao from farmers and their leaders, ensuring controlled fermentation and quality at its own facilities.
Standard Fermented Cacao Beans
Developed through extensive research, this fermentation method enhances the unique flavors of Indonesian cacao.
Origin: West Sulawesi, Indonesia
Minimum Lot Size: 62.5 kg/bag
Flavor Profile:
・ Bright and intense acidity reminiscent of
blackcurrant and redcurrant
・ Rich tannins and a crisp aftertaste, similar to red wine
Special Fermented Cacao Beans
Cacao is fermented together with complementary ingredients such as spices or fruits, enhancing its fruity acidity. Unlike adding artificial flavors or fruit extracts later in chocolate production, this method naturally infuses the cacao with the characteristics of the additional ingredients.
Origin: West Sulawesi, Indonesia
Minimum Lot Size: 62.5 kg/bag
Flavor Profile:
・ Varies greatly depending on the fruits and spices used
Custom Fermented Cacao Beans
We collaborate with customers to develop tailor-made fermentation methods
that bring out specific aromas and flavors. On-site visits, prototype production, and small-lot orders are available upon request.
Cacao-Based Ingredients
We also offer cocoa butter, cocoa powder, and other
cacao-derived ingredients using Indonesian cacao.
Please feel free to inquire.
Chocolate Confectionery
- Customer Stories
- "KIC’s cacao mass delivers a bold and well-balanced flavor, thanks to its consistent quality control. It blends seamlessly with other ingredients in our YAVA chocolate-based products, enhancing the final taste profile"
Made with:
Standard Fermented Cacao Mass
Tablet-style Chocolate Production
- Customer Stories
- "Using cacao beans sourced by KIC has been an excellent experience for chocolate manufacturers. The service level is high, and the fermentation process is well-controlled, allowing us to focus on exploring flavors and improving quality. We have also used cacao beans fermented with lime, which was an experimental approach. This unique process has added value to the Korte Chocolate brand and products, offering a new experience to customers."
Made with:
Standard Fermented Cacao
& Lime Fermented Cacao
A New Brand from a Traditional
Japanese Confectionery Shop
- Customer Stories
- KIC’s cacao beans are incredibly fresh and fruity, highlighting cacao’s natural essence as a fruit. At our shop, we candy the beans without roasting them, allowing their original flavors to shine through
Made with:
Whole Standard Fermented Cacao
for Sweetened Candied Beans
MOTHERHOUSE Food Brand
- Customer Stories
- “IRODORI CHOCOLATE,” inspired by Japan’s four seasons, is crafted with unbleached, undeodorized cacao butter to preserve its rich, natural aroma. Using Motherhouse’s original blend, this white chocolate is infused with natural ingredients for both flavor and color, resulting in a visually stunning and delicious gradient.
Made with: White Chocolate
We offer exclusive guided tours to our cacao farms for business partners, providing an immersive experience
in cacao cultivation and processing. The itinerary is fully customizable to meet your needs. Contact us to plan your visit.
Sample Itinerary
Cacao farm tour and cacao pod harvesting experience
Tasting fresh cacao pulp
Discussion with cacao farmers
The fermentation and drying processes tour
The sorting process tour
Local market visit
Please fill out the required information in the contact form below.
Our representative team will get in touch with you shortly.
- Company Name:
- PT. Kakao Indonesia Cemerlang (KIC)
- Representative:
- Ryosuke Kokubo
- Established:
- June 2016
- Business Activities:
- Production and sales of cacao beans and chocolate
ingredients. Technical support and training for cacao farmers.
- Registered Office:
-
Tower C2-15 Royal Apartment Makassar, Jl. Topaz Raya,
Kompleks Bisnis,Panakkukang Mas, Kelurahan Masale,
Kecamatan Panakkukang,Kota Makassar, 90222,
Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia
- Production Facility:
- Kabupaten Polewali Mandar, Sulawesi Barat, Indonesia
- Affiliated Company:
- Dari K Co., Ltd.