STRATEGY FOR DEVELOPING COCOA SHELL CRACKER PRODUCTS BASED ON LOCAL POTENTIAL IN POSO REGENCY

Abstrak

Utilization of cocoa pod waste as a raw material for food products is one effort to increase the added value of cocoa commodities while supporting the development of agro-industry based on local resources. This study aims to analyze internal and external factors that influence the development of cocoa pod-based cracker businesses and formulate priority strategies for their development. The study was conducted at the Sukamaju Mohintuwo Group in Kageroa Village, West Lore District, Poso Regency. Research activities were carried out from December 2024 to May 2025. Data analysis was carried out using the Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE), External Factor Evaluation (EFE), Internal–External (IE), Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT), and Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) matrices. The total IFE score of 3.612 and EFE of 3.859 indicates that the business has strong internal and external conditions. The business's position is in Quadrant I of the SWOT and Cell I of the IE Matrix, indicating a growth and development strategy (grow and build). Key strengths include solid group collaboration, raw material availability, and product quality, while key opportunities include abundant raw material availability and market opportunities. QSPM analysis indicates that the priority strategy is the Strengths-Opportunities (SO) strategy with a Total Attractiveness Score (TAS) of 7.008. This strategy focuses on strengthening institutional collaboration, optimizing the use of local raw materials, and increasing production capacity to meet market demand. Product diversification through the addition of flavor variants, improving product quality and safety, and improving packaging. The use of digital media and strengthening promotions also need to be increased to expand marketing reach. The development of a cocoa pod husk-based cracker business has the potential to increase family income and support the local community's economy in a sustainable manner.

Keywords: business development, cocoa pod husk, crackers