The study also highlighted that the industry will need to make significant improvements in quality before Solomon Islands can be able to secure higher value markets for its cocoa.
Contamination of beans with smoke during the drying process was noted as the most significant quality issue.
Staff from the Commodities Export Marketing Authority, CEMA, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock participated in the workshop.
Meanwhile, the study found that other areas for improvement includes the capacity of CEMA to source and share with producers and exporters, market information on pricing and quality requirements.
The group identified the priorities for action as improving access to trade finance facilities, addressing quality issues, improving market information availability, establishing a strong representative body for the industry, and supporting marketing activities to build direct relationships with new customers and markets.
The study was funded via the Australian Government funded Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Program, PHAMA, as part of its work to improve exports for Solomon Islands products.
CEMA General Manager Alfred Ramoagalo said the study has been very helpful in clarifying what the reality of Solomon Islands cocoa position in the market is and the market factors that are affecting export returns.
He adds, CEMA looks forward to working with the industry to progress improvements in market information and quality.
