UK and Swiss buyers explore premium cacao opportunities in Solomon Islands
A group of 13 cacao buyers from the United Kingdom, along with one from Switzerland, visited the Solomon Islands from 20 to 29 September to explore opportunities for sourcing high-quality, sustainably produced cacao.
During their mission, they engaged with local farmers and small businesses, all of whom specialize in premium cacao production. The goal was to forge stronger relationships between buyers and growers, providing access to high-quality cacao for the buyers while enabling local farmers to reach international markets and expand their businesses.
‘This was a well-run and excellent trade mission,’ said Mike Longman, Director of British chocolate company Chocolarder. 'It has given us the local information, understanding and contacts to allow us to consider how we move forward and make further progress under our own steam, with appropriate points of contact for support.’
Throughout the mission, the buyers met with small-scale farmers and businesses such as Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands and Cathliro, both of which work closely with local producers to export cacao. Raw cacao gets processed into cocoa and chocolate products. Discussions centered on building direct trade relationships that could enhance the supply chain for ethically sourced cacao. The mission proved highly productive, resulting in several potential business opportunities, including long-term partnerships focused on enhancing the supply chain for ethically sourced cacao.
Sarah Payne, founder of CocoaLoco, reflected on the experience: ‘I hope that by developing trade with cacao farmers we can help locals see the value in the ecological stewardship of their beautiful island, It was such a privilege to meet the cacao farmers, and I plan to use this experience to tell others about this island by selling them delicious chocolate!’
Following the mission, concrete steps were taken to utilize the premium cacao beans sourced from the Pilopaso farm, owned by Agnes’s family. These beans are currently being used by UK-based Coco Caravan to craft a limited-edition chocolate bar. This exclusive prototype will be showcased to gather feedback for future development. Additionally, Cocoaloco is developing its first bean-to-bar chocolate using beans from Agnes’s farm, which is set to be a new line.
As part of the initiative, the UK Trade Partnerships (UKTP) programme organized a Regional Cocoa Workshop, which gathered cacao producers from the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. The workshop focused on post-harvest processing techniques, cacao cultivation, climate-oriented practices and cacao-oriented agro-forestry – all vital for enhancing sustainability and cocoa quality. For the visiting buyers, the event was an opportunity to connect with producers from across the region and deepen their understanding of the Pacific cocoa industry.
About United Kingdom Trade Partnerships Programme (UKTP)
UKTP is implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC), and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. UKTP aims to increase trade from developing countries to the United Kingdom and the European Union by maximizing the benefits of UK and EU Economic Partnership Agreements and the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme.
UKTP implements various trade promotion and capacity building activities around the world at different stages of the value chain. UKTP works in partnership with government agencies, private sector organisations, public sector institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises and other local stakeholders.
