THE DREAM NAMED "BẢN CACAO"

From Humble Roots to Innovation

Bản Cacao was one of the nine outstanding projects selected for the final round of the 2022 Lam Dong Creative Startup Idea Competition. Through a confident presentation and a meticulously planned business strategy, the project was awarded the First Prize.

Starting a business in a remote rural area can be daunting for young people, especially women. However, driven by immense determination, Bế Thị Thu Huyền and Lương Thị Duyên have proven that while it is challenging, it is entirely possible.

Both born in 1993 in Phước Cát town, Cát Tiên district, Huyền and Duyên were childhood friends. With the bold spirit of youth, Duyên turned down a stable government job, while Huyền left her career as an accountant in Ho Chi Minh City to return home and start a business. They set a clear goal: to create a sustainable market for the local cacao trees by processing them into cocoa powder, cocoa butter, and artisanal chocolate.

Building Trust with Farmers

Choosing agriculture seemed simple due to the available raw materials, but they faced immediate skepticism. Rural farmers, accustomed to long-standing middlemen, were hesitant to trust two young women, even when offered a higher purchasing price.

To earn their trust, Huyền and Duyên visited every household, patiently persuading the farmers, showing them their newly acquired machinery, and pledging their personal reputation to ensure long-term cooperation. "We were ten times as worried as they were," Duyên recalls. "Investing so much capital in a remote area requires a clear path and unwavering commitment."

Their sincerity paid off. Today, their cooperative connects with 15 farming households, with an output of 2–3 tons per week.

The Journey of Passion and Technique

Huyền, who initially knew little about cacao, cultivated a deep love for it. "You have to love it—to the point of losing sleep—to truly understand every fruit, every bean, and every flavor profile that touches your palate," she says.

The transition from theory to practice was rigorous. Despite technical training, they spent many sleepless nights perfecting their recipes and product consistency. When they finally held their first finished batch—carefully processed and beautifully packaged—it marked the beginning of a challenging but rewarding entrepreneurial journey.

Why "Bản Cacao"?

The name "Bản" (meaning a village or community) carries a deep meaning. It reflects the heritage of their parents, who originated from the northern mountainous border regions, and resonates with the community spirit of the Central Highlands. It is a tribute to their roots and the place they now call home.
In Vietnamese, it also signifies the 'Bản chất' (the essence) and the 'Nguyên bản' (the original, pure state). It is our unwavering commitment to delivering cocoa in its purest, most authentic form—unadulterated and true to nature."

Navigating Challenges with Vision

When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in 2021, the surge in online shopping provided Bản Cacao with a critical opportunity to establish its market presence. Many questioned their "reckless" venture, but Huyền and Duyên were resolute. "No business is built without sacrifice. The key is knowing what you need and committing to it," Huyền asserts.

To prove the quality of their product, they gifted their first batches to local farmers. Mr. Trần Văn Chương, a local farmer, shares his pride: "It is rare to see young people study the techniques and produce so professionally. We have been growing cacao for 15 years, but we never dreamed we could process it into such high-quality products."

Looking Toward a Chocolate Dream

The ultimate dream for Huyền and Duyên is to produce world-class chocolate. They acknowledge that the road is long, as it requires high-end technology, significant investment, and stable supplies of high-quality beans.

In Lam Dong, cacao is not yet a primary commodity, but the region’s unique soil and climate make its beans highly sought after by global chocolate brands. Under the guidance of local agricultural authorities, Bản Cacao has achieved 3-star OCOP (One Commune, One Product) certification. This has allowed them to participate in provincial exhibitions and trade promotions nationwide.

Mr. Trần Quang Trừng, Head of the Cát Tiên Agriculture and Rural Development Department, notes: "The success of Bản Cacao serves as a testament to the quality of local cacao. It encourages farmers to move toward sustainable development rather than mass production."

A Sustainable Future

For Huyền and Duyên, the startup journey is never easy, but they embrace every challenge with a positive outlook. By sacrificing their youth to bond with the land and local agriculture, they have gained the support of their families, local authorities, and, most importantly, the trust of the farmers.

The path is still rugged, but with the determination of youth, Huyền and Duyên are taking steady steps toward their dream—one batch of chocolate at a time.