KOMPAS.com - you are a fan of chocolate? Choice chocolate variety at various supermarkets and many of them are famous brand. Both chocolate bars, chocolate or other products made from such milk. Did you know that your chocolate consumption, which he said the product overseas, it was based from the cocoa plantations in Indonesia? Cocoa plantations in Pandeglang or Serang Banten, one of them.

"Indonesia is a consumer chocolate imported from several countries, although basic ingredients sourced from the land in Indonesia," said Sofihah, Al Madad chocolate brand owners, on the sidelines of the Compass Female Smesco SME Food & Packaging Expo 2010 in Building Smesco Gatot Subroto, Jakarta, Wednesday (27.10.2010) ago.

Al Madad is initiated Sofihah chocolate brand and has become a popular local market since 2008. Sofi, her nickname, intended to raise local distinctiveness Banten of chocolate products. Start naming a distinctive cultural and religious nuances of Banten, to use raw materials originating from a number of chocolate chocolate factory in Banten. Some manufacturers are also using raw material of chocolate from the plantations in the province this year aged 10.

"Indonesia is the world's largest cocoa producer. Plantation chocolate in Serang, Banten, is also the largest in Asia. So do not need all the way to enjoy chocolate, because they exist in their own country," he said, adding that the cocoa plantations in Serang successfully exporting chocolate to the first time in 2010.

Al Madad is the name for nail Banten, which is used in a typical traditional arts Banten, namely Debus. The naming of Banten products that represent a pride for Sofi, and prove no less a local chocolate flavor and quality with the brand overseas.

Capital of USD 10 million, growing business within two years Sofi count, the initial capital to build this first effort of about USD 10 million. Raw materials are obtained not far from her home in Serang helped reduce some costs. A number of machine tools or manual needed for chocolate production is also included in this initial capital.

Now, after two years running, the average daily production of more than 200 chocolate. Turnover reaching USD 12-15 million per month with a profit of more than 20 percent.

Sofi also successfully developed a brown business by opening three outlets in supermarkets and malls.

Capitalize spirit and perseverance to promote local products, Sofi successful chocolate business. Women who are tired of being employees and bold step with this entrepreneurship BEP admitted that he had in two years. Using raw materials originating from local gardens, Sofi sure his home-based product manufacturers can compete with even the best brands or imported products. After all, many chocolate products on the market that actually comes from the land of the archipelago. However, managed and given a brand from overseas, he said.

Focus on product development Although close to the natural resources of chocolate, Sofi claimed more efficient to buy semi-finished raw materials from a chocolate factory. Sofi more use of dark chocolate products.

"Buying raw materials from the garden requires a higher cost for processing. I prefer to buy raw materials manufacturers and focus on product development," he said.

Sure enough, within two years of Al Madad chocolate has more than three variants of processed chocolate. The initial stage, Sofi introduce pictorial stick-shaped chocolate flowers or animals. The children were targeted in the early stages Sofi market opened for business that have not been given the name Al Madad. Chocolate sticks Sofi creation in 2009 by growing edible model. Chocolate stick with the model image of a safe material edible sugar paper. Sofi also received a special request, by changing the picture or photograph on chocolate edible cartoon character, with personal photos.

Less than a year, Sofi capture other opportunities to develop their business. Al Madad then comes in the form of a chocolate bar with two choices of size, 80 grams and 60 grams. Also enriches the flavor of product choices. Chocolate bars Al Madad consists of a sense of raisins, cashews, dates, and peanuts.

Next Sofi added more product variants with model chocolate pralines. With a unique and beautiful packaging, chocolate pralines made Sofi managed to attract the market. The principle of serving the request to make his own chocolate business is growing.

"Chocolate praline can be ordered upon request, both size and in writing. For example, chocolate says I Love You for Valentine's gifts," he said.

Chocolate praline is a small round container that is packed in transparent plastic. Its contents range from two pieces of chocolate. This small round chocolate flavor contains variants such as liquid chocolate, strawberry, blueberry, or pineapple. Chocolate model is generally much booked before Lebaran. The packaging is pretty decent used as the conducting widths or as gifts.

Switching Business marketing scheme for Sofi requires courage to take risks. Failure is not an obstacle for him. Search for more precise marketing scheme a challenge for Sofi.

When you first introduce chocolate products locally, Sofi admitted having difficulty. However, strong motivation to do business and open employment encouraged to stay afloat and growing.

Relying on brochures and distributor partners, Sofi introduce chocolate sticks as its inaugural product. Seeing a business opportunity online, Sophie began to activate Al Madad chocolate brand sites as a form of marketing its continuation. Then, Sofi also sells through a number of mini chocolate. Finally, with the assistance and financial support of SOEs Prog through small business development program, Al Madad go on sale at outlets owned by Sofi at the shopping center in Serang.

"Outlet mall is more eye catching. At least that high visitor traffic sales opportunities. Originally visitor just looking around and because they are attracted to try, they then buy chocolate," said Sofi, who said turnover has increased since the opening of three outlets.

Al Madad unique product because not only raise local wisdom Banten. Sofi also include a brochure containing the knowledge about the benefits of chocolate. That way, consumers are more educated about the value of more than chocolate that can cause a positive mood.

Support from local governments to include the Al Madad in various exhibitions, as well as their partners Prog add confidence Sofi popularize their products.

Talk to taste, quality and production capability, Sofi believe local products are still developing to compete with other leading brands.

"Business is managed seriously and have the ability and sustainability efforts can be ogled all parties accountable. Support can be obtained if the business is run with high commitment," said Sofi.

Local Products brown under the leadership of Al Madad Sofi, proving the ability of small businesses to meet consumer demand and attract the trust company to become partners. With additional capital from the partners, Sofi able to increase cocoa production to remain consistently meet market demand. In two years, Al Madad is known as a superior product typical of Banten, and managed to hook the market in other cities such as Bandung, Yogyakarta and Semarang. It is not impossible that the original dark chocolate this Banten worldwide. Yet in fact take a number of products imported raw materials from the same land, the land of Banten.