Among the standout exhibitors were Vanuatu’s Aelan and Gaston Chocolat, Solomon Islands’ The Cacao Ambassador, and Papua New Guinea’s She Universe and Weave Cacao.
The exhibitors brought with them not only their exquisite chocolates but also the stories of the people and communities behind the beans. The unique flavours and high-quality cocoa products from the Pacific captivated the attendees, many of whom were eager to learn about the origins of the cocoa and more importantly, the impacts on the local communities .
The Cacao Ambassador’s Oonagh Browne says, “Chocolate-loving consumers, and even Pacific communities in New Zealand have no idea that cacao grows in the Pacific. It was wonderful for chocolate lovers and consumers to hear first-hand from the people who live on the ground, who’ve owned and worked on cacao farms for generations, learning what it’s like for them and the challenges they face.”
The response was overwhelmingly positive, with Pacific exhibitors selling out their entire stock during the festival. Attendees were particularly impressed by the authenticity and richness of the Pacific chocolate. They were not just buying chocolate; they were buying into the stories of the farmers and the sustainable practices that make Pacific cocoa stand out in the global market.
The festival highlighted the growing demand for ethically sourced and sustainably produced chocolate, a trend that Pacific producers are well-positioned to lead.
From Papua New Guinea to Wellington
Weave Cacao stood out not only for its fine products but also for its strong connection to the cocoa farmers in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Weave Cacao is a company dedicated to ethically sourcing and producing high-quality chocolate from cocoa beans grown by smallholder farmers in Papua New Guinea. Known for its commitment to ethical sourcing and quality, Weave Cacao has worked closely with farmers in PNG to improve farming practices, increase yields, and ensure that the farmers receive fair compensation for their hard work.
One such farmer, Sperian Kapia, who was present at the festival, shared his journey from the cocoa fields of PNG to the bustling halls of Chocstock. Kapia, like many other farmers in PNG, has been growing cocoa for years. “Collaborating with Weave has led to improved farm management, enhanced fermentation and drying processes, and helped us build new fermentaries to maintain quality and consistency,” Kapia told Pacific Focus.
The success of Weave Cacao at Chocstock is not just a win for the company; it’s a win for the entire community back in PNG. The profits from the sales of the chocolate go directly back to the farmers, creating a ripple effect of positive change. Kapia spoke passionately about the difference that this partnership has made in his life. With the support of Weave Cacao, he can focus on growing the best cocoa possible, knowing that there is a market for his product that values quality and sustainability. “Cocoa farming is becoming a key source of income for rural communities. Farmers are moving from subsistence to commercial farming, and my role is to establish strong marketing partnerships like Weave Cacao to support this transition,” Kapia said.
A Bright Future for Pacific Cocoa
The future of Pacific cocoa is bright, with growing interest in ethically sourced and premium chocolate. Brands like Weave Cacao, The Cacao Ambassador, and Gaston Chocolat are leading the way, demonstrating that Pacific cocoa is not only competitive in the global market but also a force for good.
“With the current global shortage of cocoa from major producers, there is a real opportunity now for PNG cocoa products to be supplied into the Australia and NZ markets. We are so much closer, with a speed to market advantage,” said Karina Makori, General Manager at Paradise Foods, which is PNG’s leading food company.
Karina went on to add, “PNG cocoa can create beautiful, flavoured chocolate. The challenge we need to address and eliminate is having zero smoke taint in cocoa beans. We are excited about our partnership with Weave Cacao and expanding with creating more products to supply the NZ market.”
PTI NZ is committed to supporting cacao producers as they continue to grow and share their stories with the world. The connections made at Chocstock mark a new chapter in New Zealand’s chocolate industry and for the Pacific’s cocoa farmers. As more Pacific chocolate becomes available in NZ, consumers will have the opportunity to enjoy these unique flavours while supporting sustainable farming practices that benefit communities across the Pacific.
As the Pacific producers continue to gain recognition for their high-quality, ethically sourced cocoa, the potential for expansion into larger markets grows. This could lead to further development in the cocoa-growing regions of the Pacific, improving the livelihoods of many more farmers and their families.
The festival highlighted not only the delicious products on offer but also the hard work and dedication of the farmers who produce the cocoa. It is through events like Chocstock that the world is beginning to see the value of Pacific cocoa, not just as a commodity, but as a key player in the global chocolate industry with the power to bring about significant positive change.
For more information on these stunning products or to connect with the Pacific suppliers, email Aude Douyere, aude.douyere@pacifictradeinvest.com
For more on the farms visit:
https://weavecacao.com/?v=635dfd4391fa
