21/04/2026
SEPIK COCOA ATTRACTS GLOBAL BUYERS
Rural cocoa farmers in Papua New Guinea’s East Sepik Province have gained global attention as international chocolatiers and niche market buyers visited their farming sites to strengthen direct trade relationships.
The visit marked the opening of the three-day Greater Sepik Cocoa of Excellence & Trade Expo 2026, which began with field trips to cocoa farms in Maprik District on Monday, April 20.
Fifteen international chocolatiers and specialty cocoa buyers traveled to two farming sites—Muhian Cocoa Holdings and A1 Cooperative Society in Albinama Village, located in the Balif area. The visits were supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations through the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, in partnership with the Cocoa Board of Papua New Guinea, the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Livestock, and other local partners.
Visitors from Australia, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, New Zealand, and the United States sampled both wet and dried cocoa beans produced by local farmers. They praised the quality of the beans, particularly those processed using new solar combination dryers provided under the EU-STREIT PNG Programme.
Among the delegation was a national cocoa expert from Queen Emma Chocolate Company, highlighting strong local participation alongside international interest.
The group was led by renowned Master Chocolatier Oonagh Browne of Cacao Ambassador New Zealand, who also heads the international judging panel for the expo’s cocoa tasting competition.
Speaking to farmers during the visit, Browne encouraged producers to better understand their own product.
“I’ve been here before and your cocoa is good. You produce quality cocoa, but I urge you to taste your own cocoa as well. Only then can you truly understand its quality,” she said.
The visits created a lively and cultural exchange, with international guests joining local farmers and villagers in traditional singing and dancing, strengthening relationships beyond business.
Organizers said the selected farming groups had previously been identified by Browne during earlier collaborations with the programme and partners.
The field visits aim to improve cocoa quality standards in Papua New Guinea while bringing international markets closer to rural farmers, opening up opportunities for direct trade and better incomes.
The Greater Sepik Cocoa of Excellence & Trade Expo continues this week, showcasing the region’s growing reputation as a producer of high-quality cocoa on the global stage.
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