Cocoa - from farming to retailing:
Fiji is probably better known as a paradise island than as a cocoa producer, nevertheless there is
a modest production with great potentials. The potentials are constituted by the fact that the varieties of cacao
cultivated here are regarded as the most exclusive ones, as well as the fact that only a certain amount of the
cultivated cacao is harvested. To develop and re-establish the know-how of how to process and refine cocoa beans
among the Fijian cocoa farmers would contribute not only to diminish expenditure by not buying imported chocolate,
but above all it would contribute to the production of an organic and more wholesome high quality chocolate.
Supported by Sida (the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency) and Ungdomsstyrelsen
(the National Board for Youth Affairs), Cocoa Bello engages in the exchange project COCOA - from farming to
retailing between Fiji and Sweden. The purpose is to create a greater understanding of the need of a
sustainable cacao cultivation and fair trade within the cocoa industry. The exchange consisted of delegations
visiting each country respectively, where selected representatives from the cocoa industry (and related industries)
in Sweden visited local cocoa farmers and marketing stages in Fiji, and later vice versa in Sweden.
The exchange took place during 2007. In May-June the Swedish delegation visited its Fijian
sister group for two weeks and in August-September the Fijian delegation came to Sweden to complete the exchange.
Prior to the exchange, in September 2006, a representative from Cocoa Bello visited Fiji in order to prepare for the
activities together with the Fijian delegation.
Learn more about the project – download the project description and report from the right column!
© 2005-2008 Cocoa Bello •
Print •
