Fiji's cocoa industry is making its markon the world stage.

Cacao Fiji Limited, one of the country'sleading cocoa exporters, has shipped its first metric tonne of cocoa beans tothe United States of America, along with 400 kilogrammes to Canada, and iscurrently working on an export to Australia. The shipments signal that Fiji cancompete in the premium cocoa market and that demand for Fijian cacao is real.

For founder Arif Khan, this is amilestone year in the making. Mr. Khanis also the founder of Vanua Chocolate, a bean-to-bar chocolate company thatproduces award-winning chocolate using cocoa sourced directly from Fijianfarmers. Vanua Chocolate crafts the chocolate bars, while Cacao Fiji processesand exports the cocoa beans.

"We have proven over the years thatFiji can produce world-class fine cacao, established by the recognition andawards our cocoa has received internationally," Mr. Khan said. "We are confidentthat market demand exists for premium Fiji cacao and that the opportunity forgrowth is substantial."

Cacao Fiji was launched in 2014 with a mission torevive Fiji's dormant cocoa industry. Mr. Khan is now based in Ra, VitiLevu, where he continues to work with smallholder farmers, providing trainingand support in advanced post-harvest processing.

A Sweet Spot for Investment and Export

The global market for premium andethically sourced cocoa is growing. Fiji's cocoa, known for its fruity flavoursand unique taste, has already gained international recognition. In 2015, Fijicocoa placed in the top 50 at the international cocoa competition in France,putting the country on the map as a recognised origin for premium cocoa beans.

Chocolate makers using Fiji cocoa havewon international awards, reinforcing the quality of the product.

For international chocolate makers, Mr.Khan is eager to work with them to export more of Fiji's fine flavour cocoa.The demand is there, but the key constraint is supply.

For farmers, the financial returns aresignificant. Cocoa farmers can earn between $500 and $2,000 per buy, with thepotential to earn $10,000 to $12,000 annually from cocoa farming. Thisrepresents a meaningful income stream for rural communities.

Mr. Khan's long-term vision is toimpact well over a thousand farmers, potentially reaching a few thousand andeven 10,000 farmers across the country. He believes Fiji's cocoa industry cangrow from current volumes to 80 metric tonnes, then 100 metric tonnes andeventually 500 metric tonnes and beyond.

"I have seen successfulagricultural diversification in Cairns, Australia, where sugar cane and bananafarmers expanded into cocoa production," he said.

"With proper training, irrigationsupport and extension services, many growers already possess the farmingdiscipline and expertise required to successfully integrate cocoa into theirfarming operations."

Innovation in Farming

One of the key innovations drivinggrowth is grafting technology. Using Amelonadodisease-resistant rootstock with Trinitario, a flavorful scion, can reduce the time to first harvest from five years to just 18months to two years. Thismethod also yields more than twice a year and produces more flavorful cocoa.Cocoa plants can produce for 30 years, with pruning increasing pod yield.

The government has also shown commitmentto the sector, with $300,000 allocated to cocoa development. However, Mr. Khanemphasises that the Ministry of Agriculture needs to work closely with CacaoFiji to distribute more seedlings to farmers. He is ready to sign purchasecontracts with farmers, which would provide them with guaranteed buyers andgreater incentive to plant and care for their cocoa trees. A push is underwayfor cocoa and coffee industry development to establish a robust industry withinthree to five years.

New Markets, New Opportunities

The recent export to the United Statesis just the beginning. Demand is already outstripping supply, and Mr. Khan is working to scale upproduction. Cacao Fiji is investing in automated machines to increase capacity,with a goal to move from one metric tonne to one container, which is 12 metrictonnes, in the near future.

The company has also created a "FineFiji Cacao" brand, which has won awards and is known for itsdistinctive flavour. The target is the fine cacao segment, similar to specialtycoffee, which commands premium prices and can absorb significant volume.

On the local front, Cacao Fiji isalready producing 5,000 to 6,000 chocolate bars per month, supplying resortsand retailers catering to tourists. The goal is to double local productionbefore expanding exports further. This represents an import substitutionopportunity, keeping value within Fiji while building a brand that Fijians canbe proud of.

A Call to Action for Investors andPartners

Fiji's cocoa industry is at a turningpoint. The demand is there. The quality is recognised. The farmers are ready.What is needed now is investment, partnership, and strategic support to scaleup production and connect Fijian cocoa with the world.

For investors, the opportunity lies inexpanding the foundation. Mr. Khan has opened up the Fiji Cacao brand forinvestment, but he emphasises that investors must come in to support newseedling planting. This is what will increase the number of trees and drive thevolume needed to meet growing international demand.

For exporters, Fiji cocoa offers apremium product with established international demand. For farmers, cocoapresents a pathway to diversify income and build long-term livelihoods.

Mr. Khan and his team are ready to workwith government, investors, and chocolate makers to grow this industry. Withthe right partnerships, Fiji can become a significant player in the globalpremium cocoa market.

For more information on investment andexport opportunities in Fiji's agricultural sector, contact Investment Fijitoday.

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