Representatives of the Wellington-based Grow Asia Pacific group met the Solomon Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand, His Excellency Ishmael M Avui, on 8 November to discuss a collaboration on rural cocoa farming for high-value export markets, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade said.
The ministry said the group would work directly with rural farming communities around the country to lift the quality of the crop, the way it is handled after harvest and the way it is moved to market, so that growers can sell to buyers of fine chocolate in New Zealand and Europe.
Talks also covered steadier incomes for smallholder farmers, better local infrastructure and the growing demand for ethically sourced, fine-flavor cocoa, the ministry said.
Ms Tamar Porat, speaking for Grow Asia Pacific, said: “Solomon Islands cocoa has incredible potential to compete at the top tier of the international market.” She added: “By pairing local agricultural expertise with targeted investment and market access into New Zealand and Europe, we can create long-term economic value for rural communities.”
High Commissioner Avui welcomed the group's interest in Solomon Islands agriculture, the ministry said, and told the meeting the plan fitted the country's aims for rural economic empowerment and lasting trade ties.
The ministry said more talks and visits to sites are planned over the coming months to settle project frameworks and community engagement programmes.
Source: Based on a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade published on the Solomon Islands Government portal on 8 November 2026. https://solomons.gov.sb/wellington-agri-tech-group-explores-premium-cocoa-partnership-with-solomon-islands/