Taiwanese Chocolate Specialty Shop
Founded in 2017, “TC Chocolate Shop” is led by owner Chiu Junyu, who is dedicated to promoting Pingtung’s local cocoa industry. In its early stages, the brand mainly operated through department store pop-ups and markets. In 2022, the “Southern Goods Distribution Cooperative” was established as a platform for integrating production areas and co-developing brands. Chiu remarked, “It’s really about going from the table back to the origin.”
Introduction
The site includes several main areas: a “Cocoa Plantation Tour Area,” “Pod Opening Area,” “Bean Drying Area,” “Processing Area,” as well as a retail shop and outdoor dining space. Visitors can experience the full “Bean to Bar” process in one place.
In recent years, TC Chocolate Shop has actively engaged in sustainability and circular economy initiatives, focusing on the reuse of cocoa pod husks and expanding into biomass products, value-added applications, and net-zero carbon reduction.
Future plans include establishing full product traceability systems, developing agri-food education materials and biochar products, strengthening cooperative mechanisms among cocoa farmers, and building a shared processing and marketing platform. Additionally, the site aims to become a “Cocoa Lifestyle Lab,” integrating corporate ESG experience programs and enhancing tourism and educational functions.
Features of Agricultural Tourism
Coco
The cocoa used by TC Chocolate Shop comes from environmentally friendly farms in Neipu, Pingtung. Benefiting from the terroir of the Hengchun Peninsula, the cocoa beans develop rich aromatic layers, making them ideal for premium chocolate production.
The main varieties are hybrids of Criollo and Trinitario, offering delicate, smooth flavors without bitterness.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences, including cocoa farm tours, fermentation and drying demonstrations, chocolate-making DIY, cocoa tea tasting, and souvenir-making activities.
The whole cocoa fruit is utilized in many ways, including cocoa bean tea, cocoa pod husks, and cocoa shells. Products range from chocolate gift boxes, chocolate bars, flavored bars, cocoa almond crisps, chocolate-coated almonds, chocolate ice cream, cocoa milk, walnut cocoa pastries, and pound cakes—offering a wide and diverse selection.
