Solomon Islands ministers and officials visited the Wellington Chocolate Factory this week as part of a broader trip to New Zealand aimed at strengthening agricultural partnerships and expanding market opportunities for Pacific farmers.
Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Franklyn Derek Wasi and Minister for Health and Medical Services Paul Bosawai led the Solomon Islands delegation, which met with Grow Asia Pacific (GAP) to discuss initiatives supporting farmers in the Solomon Islands.
During the visit, Grow Asia Pacific outlined its work with Solomon Islands farmers to improve production and promote sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices.
The organisation also showcased Rautini, a social enterprise trading company established in 2022 to connect Pacific farmers and processors with markets in New Zealand.
Cocoa beans remain Rautini’s flagship export product, with the Wellington Chocolate Factory among its clients using beans sourced from Solomon Islands growers in its chocolate products.
The visit provided the delegation with an opportunity to see how Solomon Islands cocoa is processed and used by one of New Zealand’s leading craft chocolate producers.
Chocolatiers at the Wellington Chocolate Factory guided the delegation through the process of making chocolate bars using cocoa beans sourced directly from farmers in Guadalcanal.
Officials said the visit highlights the growing links between Solomon Islands agriculture and international markets, particularly in value-added products such as specialty chocolate.
The delegation also thanked the Wellington Chocolate Factory for hosting the visit and Grow Asia Pacific for providing insights into opportunities to strengthen agricultural value chains and trade partnerships.
