On Friday, 9 October, British High Commissioner Paul Turner officially presented a state-of-the-art cocoa processing machine to Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands (KOSI), a prominent social enterprise. This initiative is part of KOSI’s strategy to expand its operations and enhance the value added to locally sourced cocoa, ultimately benefiting local farmers.
KOSI was founded in Honiara in 2004 and has since been integral in processing both coconuts and cocoa. Currently, the enterprise supports more than 1,000 farmers throughout the nation, offering essential training, access to markets, and various business opportunities that bolster rural incomes and create jobs within local communities.
As a critical intermediary, KOSI connects farmers with international markets by sourcing cocoa from its extensive network of village producers. Its significant contributions to agribusiness, exports, and community development have garnered national recognition.
Strengthening Local Economies
During the handover ceremony, High Commissioner Paul Turner expressed pride in the UK’s collaboration with social enterprises like KOSI. He stated, “The UK is proud to partner with social enterprises like KOSI that provide the crucial link between farmers and international markets, adding value to local products and helping communities prosper across Solomon Islands.”
The newly acquired cocoa processing machine is anticipated to boost the production of chocolate paste and finished chocolate products. This enhancement will not only cater to local demand but will also facilitate exports to international markets, notably including the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Notably, KOSI has successfully expanded its domestic market, with 50% of its cocoa output now consumed within the Solomon Islands.
Building International Partnerships
In recent years, the UK has markedly increased its involvement with the cocoa sector in the Solomon Islands. Notably, in 2024, a delegation of UK cocoa buyers visited the country to forge new partnerships with local producers. This visit led to the selection of Solomon Islands cocoa as a key ingredient for a new UK chocolate brand, Cocoa Sisters.
Furthermore, the UK has provided support for Solomon Islands cocoa bean producers and chocolate makers to showcase their products at the Amsterdam “Chocoa” Fair in February 2025, which is recognised as Europe’s largest cocoa trade event. This participation has facilitated valuable connections between Solomon Islands producers and potential buyers from the UK and across Europe, enhancing the visibility and market opportunities for local cocoa products.