President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the construction of the first Chocolate Bienestar Processing Plant in Tabasco, with an initial investment of 80 million pesos. The project aims to strengthen cacao production and improve incomes for producer families. The announcement was made during the 14th Tabasco Chocolate Festival 2025.
In Villahermosa, Tabasco, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the construction of the first Chocolate Bienestar Processing Plant, an initiative with an initial investment of 80 million pesos. The project aims to strengthen cacao production and transformation in the state, as well as boost incomes for farming families. Sheinbaum stressed that the goal is to position Tabasco as a producer of the highest quality chocolate and ensure fair prices for cacao growers and sellers. She also noted that young people, women, and men have returned to fieldwork due to new commercialization opportunities through federal programs.
The plant will be located in Comalcalco and integrated into the Ruta del Chocolate, a state tourist corridor promoting cacao-related economic activities. Sheinbaum highlighted that the collection and sale of dry and roasted cacao through Alimentación para el Bienestar ensures price stability and marketing in Tiendas Bienestar.
The director of Alimentación para el Bienestar, María Luisa Albores, explained that the plant will be built on a two-hectare plot donated by the Tabasco Government. In the first collection cycle of 2025, 149 tons of cacao were gathered from 1,300 producers, with an investment of 31.7 million pesos. The target is to reach 400 tons by the end of the cycle, with a total investment of 88 million pesos.
Albores announced two new chocolate presentations: a 75% cacao candy bar and another at 50%. However, details such as installed capacity, construction start date, estimated operation date, projected jobs, and production forecasts have not been disclosed.