The Chocolate Chamber successfully concluded a two-day business visit to Singapore ON, marking another milestone in its regional expansion and international cacao diplomacy initiatives.
Accommodation and Hospitality The delegation stayed at Furama RiverFront Hotel, long regarded as a “second home away from home” of The Chocolate Chamber family. Since 2013, The Chocolate Chamber and Furama RiverFront have shared a close collaborative relationship, reflecting a longstanding partnership built on mutual support, trust, and friendship.
Business and Courtesy Visits The Singapore visit focused on reviewing The Chocolate Chamber’s current business position and expansion plans in Singapore, while strengthening partnerships and diplomatic relations across the region.
Raquel Toquero-Choa, CEO and Founder, The Chocolate Chamber
“Singapore represents more than a business destination for us—it is a bridge for The Chocolate Chamber to connect cultures through cacao.” — Raquel Toquero-Choa, CEO and Founder, The Chocolate Chamber
Visit to The Chocolate Chamber Private Limited Registration Office The primary objective of the visit was to review the company’s business structure and operational standing in Singapore. Discussions centered on growth opportunities, strategic partnerships, and the long-term vision of positioning Singapore as a regional hub for The Chocolate Chamber’s Asia-Pacific operations.
Key Business Meetings A series of high-level meetings were conducted with respected leaders in the food and beverage industry:
• Lens Gwee, President of the Food & Beverage Management Association (FBMA), Singapore, discussed the goals and objectives of The Chocolate Chamber Academy, particularly the proposed partnership for the Chocolate Sommelier Program, including the identification of potential local partners and investors.
• Cheong Hai Poh, President and Founder of the International Food & Beverage Association and Honorary President of FBMA Singapore, explored potential collaborations aligned with The Chocolate Chamber’s global expansion strategy.
• Kadir Satar, a Swiss businessman based in Singapore, shared valuable insights on doing business in Singapore, cross-border trade, and navigating international markets as an expatriate entrepreneur.
Embassy and Diplomatic Engagements
Philippine Embassy in Singapore A courtesy visit was conducted at the Philippine Embassy to share updates on The Chocolate Chamber’s business expansion in Singapore. The brand was positioned as a cultural and tourism-driven, homegrown Filipino brand from Cebu, Philippines.
(L-R) Edu Pantino. Raquel Toquero-Choa with With Philippine Embassy Team Consul General Joyleen Santos, Consul Gaye Chua and Roselle Bantay
It was a meaningful reconnection for CEO Raquel Toquero-Choa and COO Edu Pantino with representatives of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) at the newly built Philippine Embassy in Singapore, located along Nassim Road. The DFA has supported The Chocolate Chamber’s global journey since 2013.
The Chocolate Queen Raquel Toquero-Choa with Her Excellency Ambassador Jessica López Piñón Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Singapore
Venezuelan Embassy During the courtesy visit, Ambassador Jessica was presented with the Venezuelan Tsokolaté Bar, soon to be launched as part of The Chocolate Chamber menu. Discussions included plans for business expansion in Venezuela, utilizing local Venezuelan cacao beans while maintaining The Chocolate Chamber’s cacao bean grading standards and core vision-mission.
(L-R) Edu Pantino, Sri Lanka Minister Counsellor (Commercial) Bhagya Abeykoon, Raquel Toquero-Choa and Minister Counsellor Dhammike Seneviratne
Sri Lankan High Commission The team shared The Chocolate Chamber’s mission and vision within the global chocolate industry and agri-related products such as tea, cinnamon, and other spices. The engagement highlighted cultural exchange, cacao heritage, and future collaboration opportunities.
With Embassy of Mexico team: (L-R) Gabriela Hung (Cultural Asst.), Daisy Tan (Personal Asst. to the Ambassador), Raquel Toquero-Choa and Steven Milon (Cultural Affairs and International Cooperation)
Mexican Embassy A brief courtesy visit was made to the Mexican Embassy, acknowledging their continued support of The Chocolate Chamber family and exploring potential partnerships in semi-processed Mexican agricultural products.
Cultural Presentation: The Chocolate Queen’s Anthem During each visit, CEO Raquel Toquero-Choa presented a preview screening of “The Chocolate Queen’s Anthem”, a musical video teaser for “The Golden Lady”—a forthcoming biographical documentary on her life and chocolate journey.
The video was created by Indian filmmaker and media professor Ebenezer Annadoss, inspired by Raquel’s story during his visit to Cebu as a judge at the Cebu International Film Festival.
The release coincides with Raquel’s 50th birthday this year and will form part of the Chocolate Queen Foundation, set to launch soon—marking a new chapter in her legacy of cacao, culture, and community.
