The British High Commission in Honiara marked the handover of a new chocolate processing machine to Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands (KOSI) on 9 October, in support of local cocoa processing and exports.
The machine was provided through the KOSI project, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, which the high commission said is designed to increase cocoa processing capacity, improve market access and support exports to international markets.
Representatives of the high commission and KOSI staff attended the handover.
British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Paul Turner said the UK supports Solomon Islands businesses that are creating economic opportunities and adding value to local products.
"KOSI demonstrates how entrepreneurship, innovation and determination can transform a small business into a growing enterprise with international reach," Turner said.
KOSI is a Solomon Islands social enterprise that works with rural communities on coconut and cocoa production. The high commission said the organisation was set up in 2004 and supports more than 1,000 farmers across the country with training, market access and business opportunities.
Based in Honiara, KOSI processes and markets products sourced from its network of village producers. The high commission said the business has been recognised nationally for its contribution to agribusiness, exports and community development.
The project grew out of talks between the high commission and KOSI after Turner visited the company's facility, where he saw cocoa fermentation and chocolate production. A project was then developed to support the business, improve its visibility and buy additional chocolate-processing equipment.
The high commission said the new machine is expected to increase production of chocolate paste and finished chocolate products, helping the business meet local demand while supplying export markets including the United Kingdom and New Zealand. The project proposal also identifies increased revenue, improved export visibility and stronger livelihoods for staff employed by the business.
The initiative builds on wider UK support for the Solomon Islands cocoa sector, which the high commission said has helped connect cocoa producers and processors with international buyers and promote their products through trade activities.