Solomon Islands
Broadcasting CorporationVoice of the Nation

Topic

Cocoa

22 stories

Cocoa and Copra exports earn in SB$511 million as Agriculture sector surges

The Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA), trading as Solomon Commodities, proudly announces that the Solomon Islands has achieved together for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Quarter of 2025 an impressive SBD$511.9 million in combined export value for copra (coconut products) and cocoa beans for…

10 Oct 2025

Festivals
Local Baker Wins Chocolate Festival Cake Competition
By Eliza Kukutu Local baker and owner of “Louisa’s Home Bake”, Mrs. Louisa Fono, won the Chocolate Festival Cake Competition held yesterday at the Pacific Crown Hotel in Honiara.
22 Sept 2025
Makira/Ulawa Province
KIRAKIRA COCOA FACTORY NOW 90% COMPLETE
BY TAROMANE MARTIN The Cocoa Factory in Kirakira, Makira Ulawa Province is projected to be up and running by next year, 2026. Alick Pinihimae, Managing Director for Pinihimae Associations Enterprise Group (PAGE) told SIBC News after meeting with stake holders in Honiara recently.
15 Aug 2025
Agriculture
Cocoa grower calls on MAL to visit Rural Famers
By Jimmy Nolan Local Cocoa farmers in Babanakira, West Guadalcanal have appealed to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock to conduct regular field visits to provide skills training on how to improve the quality of their cocoa beans.
15 Aug 2025
Agriculture
Australia’s support for cocoa sector continues to grow
A new partnership between Australia and JCS Enterprise will expand cocoa sourcing and market access for farmers in Northeast Guadalcanal. Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, welcomed the collaboration with JCS Enterprise.
22 May 2025
British High Commission in Honiara
UK cocoa buyers undertake successful trade mission to Solomon Islands
The UK Government has supported 17 cocoa buyers to visit Solomon Islands to increase cocoa exports to the UK. Supporting the cocoa trade between Solomon Islands and the UK is a win-win, driving growth and increasing incomes for Solomon Islands farmers whilst giving UK consumers access to the best…
1 Oct 2024
Agriculture
Minister MAL holds fruitful discussion with New Zealand High Commissioner, pledges support for Cocoa Development
Cocoa farmers in Solomon Islands will soon be benefiting from a funding assistance for tools and equipment to help improve cocoa productivity. The exciting news was announced during a meeting held between the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Hon.
30 Jul 2024
Agriculture
MAL MINISTER SET TO LAUNCH COCOA SECTOR INTERVENTION STRATEGY
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) under the capable and visionary leadership of Honourable Minister Franklyn Derek Wasi is taking immediate steps in addressing the Solomon Islands cocoa industry which holds significant potential to contribute to the economy of our country.
26 Jul 2024
Agriculture
MINISTER WASI PUSHES TO REVIVE COCOA INDUSTRY
The new Honourable Minister for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Franklyn Derek Wasi says he is pushing for the availability of more funds to revitalize the cocoa industry. Early this week the ministry through the Hon.
28 Jun 2024
Australia
Solomon Islands and Australia Promote Solomon’s Islands Cocoa to Boost Exports and Create Local Jobs
Australia’s Strongim Bisnis recently held an evening of cocoa networking, connecting Solomon Islands cocoa businesses, international cocoa buyers, and the governments of the Solomon Islands and Australia.
12 Jun 2024
Agriculture
Solomon Islands cocoa market has potential
Solomon Islands has to ensure that cocoa, as its raw product, is well-looked after to determine the best cocoa product. Australian cocoa legend, Grant Vinning told SIBC News in an exclusive interview yesterday.
30 Oct 2018
Agriculture
Fund shortage hampers plans to open Makira Cocoa factory
Shortage of funds has delayed the process to establish a cocoa factory in Makira-Ulawa Province. Director of Economic Division within the Ministry of Planning and Aid Coordination Andrew Pracas confirmed, an M-O-U for the factory was already set, pending consultation with stake holders.
13 Jun 2018
Agriculture
Improve cocoa quality, farmers told.
Around 40 cocoa farmers from around the country attended a cocoa grafting demonstration and training at Alligator Creek cocoa farm today. The program is part of the on-going ‘SolChoc’ festival and was organised by the Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access (PHAMA) to equip farmers…
2 May 2018
Exports
YOUNG FEMALE COCOA FARMER INTO EXPORTING
A young female cocoa farmer from Guadalcanal Province has started exporting cocoa beans to New Zealand. Ms Agnes Pilopaso has been recognised as a potential cocoa producer in the country after she was awarded as first runner-up of the chocolate competition during last year’s Chocolate week.
11 Jan 2017
Commodities
CEMA REVIVAL PROGRESSING WELL
The Government’s initiative to revive the Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) is progressing well. Secretary of the Cabinet Sub-Committee tasked for the job, John Kennedy Taufunu told SIBC News this week. Mr.
20 Oct 2016
Agriculture
COCOA FARMERS DISAPPOINTED WITH WET BEAN PRICES
Cocoa farmers in and around North Malaita have expressed disappointment over the unattractive buying price for wet cocoa beans in the region. The farmers alleged current buyers pay $3.00 per kilogram for wet beans.
8 Aug 2016
Agriculture
PRODUCING 20 METRIC TONES OF COCOA PER YEAR ACHIEVABLE
The local cocoa industry’s target to produce 20 metric tonnes per annum appears achievable. Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Jimmy Salea says the Cocoa and Chocolate week recently held in the capital has provided significant information that will help boost the cocoa…
8 Jun 2016
Agriculture
SOLOMONS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING CHOCOLATE: HIELE
Solomon Islands is capable of producing its own chocolate for export. Manager for Agriculture sector within the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Gabriel Hiele told SIBC News the question of chocolate processing in the country has been raised during the one week cocoa and chocolate program in…
4 Jun 2016
Agriculture
ELSIE WOTA WINNER OF CHOCOLATE COMPETITION
Twenty-six year old Elsie Wota from North Guadalcanal has won the chocolate competition in the Cocoa and chocolate week. Elsie’s cocoa bean samples beat out nine other samples and grabbed the top award. It was a thrilling moment for Elsie when she was announced the top winner today.
3 Jun 2016
Agriculture
FARMERS DENIED ACCESS TO AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION
West Guadalcanal Cocoa and Coconut farmers have been denied accessibility to Agricultural information due to lack of Agriculture Extension Officers in their area. A Francis Magani told SIBC News, Agricultural information should be widely accessed by farmers throughout the country.
14 Nov 2015