In 2025, the Specialty Cocoa Development Project launched in the Solomon Islands, funded by the European Union-and implemented by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), and Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Europe.
The Specialty Cocoa Development Project provided technical training and other related support to two Solomon Islands-based cocoa exporters, Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands (KPSI) and Cathliro Commodities Ltd, and the farming communities that supply cocoa to both. The project deepened exporters’ understanding of their supply chains, noticeably strengthened the quality of their product, and is expected to significantly increase the volume of boutique beans exported by Solomon Islands’ for years to come.
The aim of the initiative is to support Solomon Islands’ farmers, processors and exporters to produce top-quality cocoa for international specialty markets, specifically Europe. Backed by a consortium of international partners and implemented by both local and global experts, the project built technical expertise needed for the Solomon Islands’ cocoa industry to meet – and even exceed – Europe’s market demands.
The project brought together local extension officers, international cocoa specialists, and community processors to introduce new fermentation techniques, sensory evaluation and data-driven quality control. Technical experts Zoi Papalexandratou of ZOTO, and Oonagh Browne of The Cacao Ambassador, worked with local teams, blending scientific training with practical field demonstrations. Farmers and exporters learned to identify purple beans, slaty beans, and over-fermentation faults, issues that had quietly undermined product quality for years.
Reflections from the project included:
“After the tasting session, the whole room fell quiet. Farmers realised that the flavour of the chocolate came from what they did on their farms. They finally saw that quality wasn’t just for exporters – it started with them.”
“Farmers are now proud to talk about their quality. They understand how their work connects to higher prices and new export markets.”
“One farmer went straight home after training and started teaching his neighbours how to check for purple beans. He said, ‘If we all improve, we all benefit.’”
The project included a buyer trip in September, in which Europe-based buyers visited the facilities and farms of the participating businesses. The buyers reported noticeable improvements in bean quality and expressed a strong interest in future boutique-grade exports.
Jodie Stewart, PTI Europe Trade Commissioner, said the project delivered a shift that is expected to have long-term positive influence.
“Although brief, the project was key in supporting the Solomon Islands’ cocoa industry to be able to take part in premium global markets. As the Solomon Islands prepares for the next cocoa season, the sector stands more confident and more connected than before. They are driven by a shared commitment to quality, sustainability, and Pacific pride. I believe Solomon Islands’ cocoa is beginning to reveal its unique flavour potential to the world.”
For more information about Solomon Islands cocoa, please contact our team.
