#Japan #Tokyo #Lotte #Can Tho University #Hydro Potech

Lotte Moves Forward with Cocoa Research in Vietnam

Lotte Corporation, based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is advancing its collaborative efforts in Vietnam, confirmed by a signing ceremony held on October 9, 2025, for the second phase of joint research. This initiative involves partnerships with Can Tho University, Japan Hydro Potech, and Takesho Co. along with Takesho Food Vietnam. This research builds upon the findings of the first phase initiated on May 24, 2023, focusing on practical applications within cocoa farming.

Background of the Research

Cocoa beans, which serve as the primary ingredient for chocolate, undergo a fermentation and drying process after extraction from cocoa pods. Interestingly, the outer shells of these cocoa pods account for approximately 80% of their total weight, yet they are often discarded as waste on cocoa farms. The prolonged decomposition of such discarded pods can foster the growth of pathogens, which might spread to cocoa trees and consequently degrade subsequent yields, threatening the livelihood of cocoa farmers.

To tackle this issue, the research aims to properly process these discarded cocoa pods and utilize them sustainably within the cocoa-producing regions.

In the first phase of the research, the team explored the efficacy of a hydrolysis technique to sterilize and grind cocoa pods, spreading the processed material over the soil. This work was conducted in the Mekong Delta region of southern Vietnam. The results were promising; they indicated that applying hydrolyzed cocoa pods could enhance soil health and promote the growth of cocoa seedlings.

Next Steps in Research

The upcoming phase of the research will further test the effects of hydrolyzed cocoa pods when applied directly to cocoa farms, assessing their impact on cocoa bean yields. This upcoming experimentation aligns with Lotte's commitment to solving environmental issues in cocoa-producing areas and contributing towards a circular economy.

About Can Tho University

Founded in 1966, Can Tho University is a national comprehensive university and one of Vietnam's key education institutions. With faculties encompassing agriculture, aquaculture, and economics, it currently has an enrollment of 52,414 students (as of September 2025). Located in the city of Can Tho in the Mekong Delta region, it plays a pivotal role in agricultural research and education, particularly focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by this fertile area.

The collaboration between Lotte and these Vietnamese institutions demonstrates a significant step forward in both agricultural innovation and environmental sustainability. By harnessing local resources and leveraging research expertise, this joint initiative is set to yield not only economic benefits but also positive ecological impacts for the future of cocoa farming in Vietnam. Lotte continues to emphasize the importance of sustainability in its business model, seeking to foster a resource-circulating society through innovative research and practical applications in the field.

For further information about Lotte, visit their official website: Lotte Corporation.