On Friday 9 October, British High Commissioner Paul Turner presented a new cocoa processing machine to Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands (KOSI), a social enterprise. KOSI aims to expand its business and enhance the value of locally produced cocoa, which could benefit local producers.
KOSI, founded in Honiara in 2004, processes coconuts and cocoa, supporting over 1,000 farmers across the country. The organisation provides training, market access, and business opportunities to strengthen rural incomes and local employment.
The new cocoa machine is anticipated to increase the production of chocolate paste and finished chocolate products. This is expected to help KOSI meet local demand and support exports to international markets, including the United Kingdom and New Zealand. KOSI currently sees 50% of its cocoa produce consumed within the Solomon Islands.
The UK has increased its involvement with the Solomon Islands' cocoa sector in recent years. In 2024, UK cocoa buyers visited the country, leading to Solomon Islands cocoa being chosen for a new UK chocolate brand, Cocoa Sisters. The UK also supported Solomon Islands producers at the Amsterdam "Chocoa" Fair in February 2025, Europe’s largest cocoa trade event, to establish connections with prospective buyers.