REGIONAL FOCUS - THAILAND
A
Inside
s Thailand emerges as an unexpected but compelling cacao origin, Siamaya
Chocolate stands at the centre of its craft chocolate movement. Based in Chiang Mai, the brand has built its reputation on translating Thai culinary culture— from fragrant curries to iced tea—into chocolate that is both playful and precise. In this exclusive interview with Kennedy’s Confection, Siamaya reflects on the rise of specialty cacao in Thailand, the realities of working directly with farmers, and why small- batch, feedback-driven sourcing has become the backbone of the country’s cacao sector. From test batches returned to growers to the challenge of turning dishes like Massaman or Tom Kha into chocolate, Siamaya offers a vivid snapshot of a national industry finding its voice.
Siamaya Chocolate is rooted in Chiang Mai, a region not traditionally associated with cacao. What first convinced you that Northern Thailand
THAILAND’S CRAFT CACAO SUPPLY CHAIN
On the ground in Chiang Mai, Kennedy’s Confection Editor Kiran Grewal meets Neil Ransom, CEO of Siamaya Chocolate to explore how one of Thailand’s most distinctive bean-to-bar makers is helping shape a young but thriving cacao industry—through bold flavours, close farmer relationships and a deeply local sense of place.
18 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • DECEMBER/JANUARY 2025/26
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