Cocoa Bello withdraws from joint chocolate project
Since opinions on what to do and how to proceed has drifted apart Cocoa Bello has decided to withdraw
from an active role in the joint chocolate project with the Fijian cocoa growers. Manufacturing conventional
chocolate in larger scale is not within our field of expertise. Hence it would be inappropriate for us to
give advice for such kind of production. Instead we will be available when our opinion or expertise is asked for.
Cocoa Bello's open letter to Fiji's cocoa growers >> Sweden: Posted by Cocoa Bello on October 13, 2011
Plans for chocolate factory
Cocoa Bello member Michael Olsen is currently visiting the Namau cocoa farmers and officials to make plans for the future
chocolate factory. A location with a beautiful view close to Namau in Tailevu is likely to host the manufacturing buildings.
Read the article in the Fiji Times:
Plans for chocolate factory >> Sweden: Posted by Cocoa Bello on July 21, 2010
Hot Chocolate Day
When Swedish National Radio (Sveriges Radio) founded the Hot Chocolate Day in Sweden they invited Cocoa Bello
to speak about chocolate and Fijian projects. Since chocolate recipes also where a topic of the
day Cocoa Bello shared its instructional film recored at the workshops in Namau during the Swedish-Fijian
exchange in 2007. Listen to the feature here:
Hot Chocolate Day >> Malmö, Sweden: Posted by Fabian Rimfors on November 2, 2009
Namau signs deal with State
The people of Namau in Tailevu have begun a partnership that will enable them to access government assistance to
improve their livelihoods as they play their part in taking the initiative to help themselves to develop their
resources. This memorandum of understanding was a result of the Prime Minister's visit to Namau in 2007. Read
the full story in the Fiji Times:
Namau signs deal with State >> Suva, Fiji: Adapted from the Fiji Times on August 14, 2008
Prime Minister visits Namau cocoa farmers
The Namau cocoa farmers were paid a first class visit on November 8th by Fiji's Prime
Minister, Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, as he came to the settlement to get an insight into the Cocoa Bello projects
and sample the outcomes. After the visit by the Prime Minister there have been upgrades to the road and an
allocation for electricity and piped water supply will hopefully be included in next year's budget. Follow the link
for more photos from the visit: PM's visit to cocoa farmers >> Suva, Fiji: Posted by Joseva Serulagilagi on December 5, 2007
Cocoa Bello getting a "free ride"
Cocoa Bello secretary Malin Jansson, cocoa farmer Ilai Nabobo and cocoa growers’ co-op chairman Joseva Serulagilagi
are currently getting a free ride as they are exposed on the back of the Malmö city buses. It’s a publicity “drive”
by the Swedish newspaper CITY containing a front page with Cocoa Bello on it. Malmö, Sweden: Posted by Fabian Rimfors on October 20, 2007
Product development at Lödahus Chokladkultur
Swedish chocolate manufacturer Mrs Agneta Sædén and the Fijian cocoa farmers devoted themselves to
three days of product development at Lödahus Chokladkultur in Kivik. Cocoa beans, brown sugar and
vanilla had been brought from Fiji and were ground in an electrical Mexican cocoa grinder. After Cocoa Bello's
sessions in Fiji the prototype chocolate is packed in masi paper, a traditional mulberry bark cloth, and
presented in hand plaited pandanus baskets. By engaging these handicrafts in the process the cocoa and chocolate
industry can help to further develop rural society. Malmö, Sweden: Posted by Fabian Rimfors on September 12, 2007
Swedish apple industry inspires cocoa farmers
Villages Kivik and Brösarp were the hosts during the exchange as parallels were made with the Swedish apple
industry. For the stay Cocoa Bello and the cocoa farmers were lodged in the apple orchards of Källagården.
Managing Director at the apple growers co-op Äppelriket Österlen, Mr Lars-Olof Börjesson,
introduced the cocoa farmers to the organizational structures of a strong growers co-operative. The day after was
spent at fruit processing factory Kiviks Musteri where Director of Research and Development, Mrs Annika
Nilsson, had arranged guided tours, sampling and lectures in food hygiene and HACCP. Malmö, Sweden: Posted by Fabian Rimfors on September 12, 2007
A tour around Malmö's chocolate shops
A tour around Malmö's chocolate shops was arranged to illustrate Europe's present day chocolate consumption
patterns and marketing strategies. Cocoa Bello and the fellow Fijians started off at Les Trois Roses where
chocolatiers Maria Escalante and Jan Hedh treated the party to hot chocolate. Via chocolate shops Synd and
Cacaofoni the day was concluded at Malmö Chokladfabrik and the old Mazetti chocolate factory. The
delegation was guided in Swedish chocolate history as well as around the old factory by Leif Mazetti-Nissen. Malmö, Sweden: Posted by Fabian Rimfors on September 11, 2007
Chocolate workshops at the University of Agriculture SLU
Cocoa Bello and the fellow cocoa farmers made a field trip to the Swedish University of Agriculture SLU outside
Malmö, Sweden, where Mr Joel Magnusson conducted a workshop on product development and how to develop and work
with ideas. This initiative was very much appreciated and sparked the minds of all involved. Discussions were also
initiated on how to cooperate and coordinate the possibility for horticultural students at SLU to carry on field
studies in Fiji beneficial to the island’s cocoa industry. Malmö, Sweden: Posted by Fabian Rimfors on August 27, 2007
Fijian cocoa farmers visit Sweden
For the first time ever a delegation of cocoa farmers from a developing country visits Sweden. Cocoa Bello’s Fijian
sister organization has sent a group of 8 representatives, 6 cocoa farmers, their co-op chairman and a representative
from the Fiji Ministry of Agriculture, to visit the Swedish chocolate industry as part of the knowledge exchange
Cocoa - from farming to retailing. They arrived on August 25th and for two weeks they will take part in
workshops, lectures and field trips conducted by Cocoa Bello and associated partners. Swedish TV4 covered the
historic event and broadcasted a feature on the Monday morning news. Malmö, Sweden: Posted by the Committee on August 27, 2007
Cocoa Bello meets with the Swedish Minister for Agriculture
Swedish Minister for Agriculture, Mr Eskil Erlandsson, was happy to receive a Fijian cocoa pod as he was invited to
participate during the exchange while the Fijian delegation visits Sweden later this year. The Minister had invited
local entrepreneurs to Brösarp in southern Sweden on the subject "Food as a tourist magnet – a conversation
on successful entrepreneurship in rural areas". Cocoa Bello participated because of the significant parallels
between the objectives of our projects and the values which the successful businesses in the area have been built on.
Cocoa Bello chairman Fabian Rimfors also seized the opportunity to present the Minister with a Fijian cocoa pod. Malmö, Sweden: Posted by Malin Jansson on June 21, 2007
Cocoa Bello on the National News
Fiji TV made an in-depth feature on the Swedish-Fijian exchange, interviewing the delegates and visiting the cocoa
farmers to cover the manufacturing process that were taught during the workshops up in Namau Settlement. It was a
4:42 minute in-depth report broadcasted on the Fiji national news on the channel Fiji One. To watch the
feature press the links below or go to our "Press" section:
Malmö, Sweden: Posted by Fabian Rimfors on June 12, 2007
Press conference at Suva Motor Inn Hotel
Together with the Fijian sister group the Swedish delegation held a press conference at Suva Motor Inn to inform the
public and media of what have happened so far as well as of the future plans. Media was also briefed on the
differences between "regular" chocolate and the high quality chocolate made within the Fiji Chocolate Culture
Project. All attending were treated to a cup of fresh hot chocolate, flavored with vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg and
passionately made by Namau cocoa farmer Mr Tevita Niuvou and his family. The press clippings and TV broadcasting can
be found in our press and media archive under "Press" above. Suva, Fiji: Posted by the Committee on June 8, 2007
T-shirts with chocolate recipe
As part of our Public Information Program t-shirts have been made and were handed out among cocoa farmers and their
families in Namau Settlement. On the back the t-shirts display a basic chocolate recipe, written in the main Fijian
language Bauan. Dissemination of information in this manner will make more people aware of how to make their
own jiokeliti, chocolate. We would like to thank the Xoolu Enterprises Ltd in Suva for sponsoring and printing
the T-shirts. Also thanks to Benson Consulting for making it possible. Suva, Fiji: Posted by the Committee on June 7, 2007
Devotional visit to the chiefly island of Bau
On the seventh day, of the week and the exchange, the Cocoa Bello delegation had the honorable pleasure of having
been invited to the beautiful chiefly island of Bau by Ratu Inoke Seniloli. After being welcomed and received
by former vice president of Fiji, Ratu Jope Naucabalavu Seniloli, the Swedes attended an inspiring high mass in the
impressive Ratu Cakubau Church. A guided tour around the picturesque island preceded the crowning glories, a
sevusevu and a culinary perfection, the delicious Fijian dinner. On behalf of its delegates Cocoa Bello would like
to express the deepest gratitude for this honorable and wonderful day, of which the fond memories will stay forever.
Vinaka vakalevu na vei kā kece! Suva, Fiji: Posted by the Cocoa Bello delegation on June 4, 2007
Historic workshop in cocoa plantation
For the first time in Fijian history Workshops in the art of making chocolate were held with cocoa farmers. In Namau
Settlement in the Tailevu province cocoa farmers successfully made chocolate with different flavors, such as vanilla,
cinnamon, honey, ginger, peanuts etc. This was done by using fresh products from the village and common Fijian
utensils. The historic result was a delicious Fijian chocolate. Cocoa Bello would like to thank their dear friends
of Namau for these fond memories and Lödahus Choladkultur's Agneta Sædén for conducting the sessions.
Watch video from the workshop! >> Namau Settlement, Fiji: Posted by the Committee on June 1, 2007
Sevusevu opens exchange project
A Fijian kava ceremony, sevusevu, at the Tailevu Hotel in Korovou officially opened the exchange project
COCOA – from farming to retailing. A delicious welcoming dinner had been prepared in honor
of the Swedish guests and their Fijian brothers and sisters. This was very much enjoyed and throughout the evening
future plans and possibilities were discussed among invited parties, which included not only the sister groups,
but also prominent people and representatives from the Fiji Ministry of Agriculture. Korovou, Fiji: Posted by the Committee on May 29, 2007
Chocolate manufacturing with traditional tools
Members of Cocoa Bello gathered at Lödahus Chokladkultur in Kivik to learn more about how to make chocolate from
scratch, all in a traditional Mexican spirit. A delicious scent of chocolate spread as the cocoa beans were roasted
and later on were ground into a cocoa paste by hand on a Mexican metate. Then sugar was added and the paste was
ground a little bit more. The end result was a slightly coarse, but quite delicious savoury hot chocolate drink. Malmö, Sweden: Posted by the Committee on April 27, 2007
"Training camp" at partner's in Mexico
Mrs Agneta Sædén from Cocoa Bello’s partner Lödahus Chokladkultur continued training in traditional Mexican
cocoa grinding at the Mexican organic chocolate manufacturer Finca Cholula and their family factory El Chontal
during January and February. The gained experience and knowledge will be transferred to the Fijian cocoa farmers
and their cooperative during the exchange. At Finca Cholula there is a great interest in assisting Cocoa Bello’s
projects in Fiji with their expertise in chocolate manufacturing. Malmö, Sweden: Posted by Fabian Rimfors on March 17, 2007
Koko Samoa - The early bird gets the worm!
This morning Cocoa Bello was treated with a complimentary traditional
Samoan breakfast consisting of koko Samoa and koko araisa. The characteristic koko Samoa
is made from roasted and ground Samoan cocoa beans, which are left to solidify. To prepare the delicious
chocolate drink, the desired amount is dissolved in boiling water with sugar and an optional lime leaf. The koko
araisa is a soft creamy rice pudding made with rice, coconut milk, sugar and koko Samoa. Thank you Dr Desmond Amosa
and Mrs Palepa Ng Chok Amosa for your kind concern and for providing us with a piece of Samoan culture. Suva, Fiji: Posted by Fabian Rimfors on September 22, 2006
Dormant cocoa plantations in Wainibuka district
Cocoa Bello and its local sister group association went on a field trip to the Wainibuka district today, together
with staff from the Provincial Agricultural Office in Korovou. An unattended cocoa plantation was visited and
according to Tailevu Province Administrator (and former Cocoa Development Officer) Mr Ratu Emori Latitoga,
approximately 65 % of all cocoa plantations in the Tailevu province are more or less unattended in the same way. He
points out that the cocoa trees can be rejuvenated by pruning and thus be reactivated and put back into production
again. Another plantation, mainly with the Waimaro (amelonado) variety, in the same district was also
visited, although this one was carefully pruned and in production. Wainibuka, Fiji: Posted by Fabian Rimfors on September 21, 2006
Cocoa Bello in field trip to vanilla farm
As preparations for the exchange progress, Cocoa Bello was invited to visit Ron Gatty's spice farm in Wainadoi
Gardens. Operations Manager Mrs Veronica Hazelman guided a tour around the spice gardens and facilities, where
vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper etc are cultivated, processed and packaged. The Wainadoi Gardens' model of small
scale high quality organic production and value added niche marketing is a successful concept which can function as
a source of inspiration and example for Fijian chocolate manufacturing as our projects advance. Wainadoi Gardens, Fiji: Posted by Fabian Rimfors on September 19, 2006
Information meeting with cocoa farmers
During a kavaceremony today a meeting with cocoa farmers and their co-operative was held at the Niuvou homestead in
Namau Settlement. At the meeting it was accounted for how the exchange project between Sweden and Fiji is planned to
be carried out and what the final objectives with the collaboration are. Attending the meeting were the Tailevu
cocoa grower's co-operative through chairman Mr Joseva Serulagilagi and Mr Lagisoa Delana, cocoa farmers Mr Tevita
Niuvou, Mr Isikeli Namoro and Mr Ilai Nabobo along with Cocoa Bello chairman Fabian Rimfors. Namau, Fiji: Posted by Fabian Rimfors on September 11, 2006
Cocoa Bello meets with sister group in Fiji
After a meeting with Tailevu Province Cocoa Growers And Producers Co-operative Association Ltd it was
today officially proclaimed that their organization will act as a sister group to Cocoa Bello in the project
Cocoa – from farming to retailing. Chairman Mr Joseva Serulagilagi confirmed that initiatives and projects of
this character are very welcome and have been sought-after a long time. Suva, Fiji: Posted by Fabian Rimfors on September 4, 2006
Testing idea in cocoa grinder
Successful testing of a cocoa grinder at Lödahus Chokladkultur. Cocoa Bello confirms that the idea of making chocolate by grinding cocoa
beans in a Mexican cocoa grinder works excellently. The result was a very tasty and aromatic chocolate drink with an
original cocoa solids content of 68% before adding milk. Malmö, Sweden: Posted by Fabian Rimfors on August 11, 2006
Preparing for Exchange with Developing Countries
Shortly Cocoa Bello will travel to Fiji to make preparations for the planned culture and knowledge exchange between
the two countries. You will be able to follow what happens during the preparations here. Malmö, Sweden: Posted by the Committee on August 10, 2006
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