The Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Plus (PHAMA Plus) Program is supporting Solomon Islands’ cocoa sector to improve the quality of their bulk cocoa exports to achieve higher prices and develop markets for premium grade cocoa, which is typically smoke/taint-free, well-fermented and graded to remove impurities. This creates a price premium for improved quality cocoa, improving returns for cocoa businesses and growers. PHAMA Plus, and its predecessor PHAMA, supported Cathliro to establish its first premium cocoa market in 2017 with a small export consignment of 200kg to a company in the United Kingdom (UK). The following year, their exports more than doubled to 500kg exported to another premium chocolate-maker in the UK.

Around 8,500 of Vanuatu's agricultural households rely significantly on the sale of cocoa, which is still a substantial exportable crop. Vanuatu's cocoa is recognized for its wonderful flavors, which are attributable to a combination of the ideal tropical climate (soil and temperature) in which it is grown and the processing processes used. To thrive in premium export markets, PHAMA Plus has assisted with increased quality and development in its upstream supply chain through its cooperation with Gaston Chocolat. The partnership also helped Gaston get high-quality cocoa beans by gaining two gateway certifications: the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) certificate and the B Corp. accreditation. These certifications allow Gaston Chocolat goods to retain and expand their international market access.