Boosting speciality cacao exports in Vanuatu
The Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Plus (PHAMA Plus) Program, supported by Australia and New Zealand, is working with Vanuatu’s Gaston Chocolat Limited to increase processing, storage, quality standards and marketing of specialty cacao, which drives high incomes for farmers.
In 2023, Vanuatu exported 1,800 tonnes of bulk cacao, compared with only 80 tonnes of specialty cacao, which are high-quality cocoa beans. Specialty cocoa beans are distinguished by their unique flavour profiles, cultivation methods, and post-harvest processing techniques. There is increasing demand for Vanuatu specialty cacao which currently pays a 20%-30% premium over bulk prices of green and dry cacao.
PHAMA Plus is assisting Gaston Chocolat to expand the processing capacity of its fermentation station in Central East Malekula by installing three new solar dryers to boost specialty cacao production. This collaboration will also support the establishment of a new storage and packaging facility, improve cacao quality and strengthen the branding of Gaston Chocolat products.
Gaston Chocolat Co-founder and Managing Director, Olivier Fernandez said, “We are grateful to PHAMA Plus for their continuous support since 2020 in improving sourcing and processing of quality standards that enables our business to succeed in high-quality speciality cocoa export markets.”
PHAMA Plus also supported Gaston Chocolat’s participation at the Wellington Chocolate Festival in June and the Melbourne Chocolate Festival in July. The company will also visit a commercial scale cacao farm in Hawaii this month before taking Vanuatu chocolate to the upcoming Northwest Chocolate Festival in October, enabling greater exposure to potential new buyers for their products.
PHAMA Plus Country Manager in Vanuatu, Emily Tumukon said, “Over the past few years, the program has worked closely with Gaston Chocolat ensure that they meet the food safety and quality standards necessary for success in premium bean export markets.”
Since 2020, PHAMA Plus has successfully collaborated with Gaston Chocolat to support the introduction of farming and post harvesting practices and equipment, such as solar dryers, that have significantly improved the quality and price of the dried beans being supplied. This in turn has improved and streamlined the incomes of smallholders.
PHAMA Plus has also supported Gaston Chocolat to secure B Corp Certification and initiate the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) process. These certifications have opened up new export opportunities for the company’s products.
ENDS
For more information please contact Country Manager – Vanuatu, Emily Tumukon at e.tumukon@phamaplus.com.au