Vanua Levu’s cocoa industry took a step forward this month when Nord Investment’s cocoa processing facility was officially opened at Matasawalevu, Dreketi.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Industries, Commerce and Business Development, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica opened the facility today. It is the company’s first cocoa processing facility.
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A central point for farmers

The facility will be a central processing point for the region. Farmers can bring their cocoa beans there to be fermented, dried, graded and packaged for export.

It was built with a $150,000 Government grant under the National Export Strategy (NES) Programme. The grant, given in the previous financial year, paid for construction, equipment and packaging materials. The project also had support from the Ministry of Agriculture’s Commercial Agriculture Development Programme and funding from the Fiji Development Bank.

Built on a vision for iTaukei enterprise

Nord Investment founder, Mr. Ronald Daurewa said the company was set up to create economic opportunities for indigenous communities through agriculture and international trade. He said the business was founded with “a purpose greater than commercial success.” Its aims are to empower smallholder farmers, strengthen rural economies and show that businesses from local communities can compete in global trade.

Mr. Daurewa said the investment’s long-term success would be measured by how much it benefits farming families. He said the goal was lasting economic opportunity for communities and young people. He also stressed that farmers, exporters and other
stakeholders need to work closely together to keep a steady supply of quality beans for export.

Government backing for diversification

Hon. Kamikamica said the investment supports the Government’s push to diversify the economy by strengthening agriculture and encouraging private-sector growth. He noted that it reaches farming communities in Bua, Cakaudrove and Macuata. He said rising global demand for cocoa gives farmers a chance to earn more and reach new markets.

He added that growing more cocoa is not enough on its own. “Producing a good crop is only the start,” he said. To compete internationally, farmers also need reliable processing, consistent quality, safe storage and clear routes to export.

Representatives from New Caledonia, Japan, Singapore and Australia attended the opening. Mr Kamikamica said their presence showed the business opportunities open to Fiji’s rural producers.
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Export markets in sight

The facility is expected to help farmers reach export markets in New Caledonia, Japan and Australia. Demand includes a chocolate factory in New Caledonia, and reported plans from the New Caledonian market of up to 2,000 tonnes mean local production will need to grow significantly.

In September, Hon. Kamikamica said a New Caledonian company was exploring buying Fijian cocoa. He cautioned that fully developing the industry could take five to ten years and would need investment in plantation rehabilitation, market access and processing facilities.

Local growers have welcomed the opening. Cocoa farmer Sairusi Vesikula said that for the three years he has been selling cocoa, Cocoa Mana in Savusavu has been the only buyer in the North. He said a second market could bring competition that “could give farmers better prices.”

Mr. Vesikula believes many neglected farms across the North could produce again with proper pruning and maintenance. He said ageing trees could bear fruit again within two years.

Farmers are being encouraged to restore existing plantations and increase production. The Ministry of Agriculture is also urging them to use the support available through its Cocoa

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