Vanuatu’s Cacao Revolution
What started as a passion project to highlight Vanuatu’s rich cacao heritage has transformed into a thriving business for Gaston Chocolat exporting award-winning chocolate to Australia and New Zealand. But behind the success of Gaston Chocolat is a story of hard work, dedication, and the support provided by PACER Plus. Founded by Olivier Gaston, Gaston Chocolat was born from a simple idea: to produce world-class chocolate locally in Vanuatu while showcasing the country as a premium origin for fine cacao. But turning that vision into reality came with its challenges, especially when it came to meeting international food safety standards—a necessary step to export to larger markets. That’s where PACER Plus stepped in. In 2023, Gaston Chocolat exported 17 tonnes of dried cacao. This year, they’re on track to export 60 tonnes—almost a fourfold increase. In collaboration with the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Australia Vanuatu Governance for Growth program, PACER Plus engaged local consulting firm Quality Solutions to help Gaston Chocolat develop food safety systems. The goal was to achieve Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification—a globally recognised standard that would open the doors to international trade. For Olivier Gaston and his team, the certification was a game-changer. “The HACCP certification shows that our operation is up to international standards,” says Mr. Gaston. “This way, people can trust the product. Because our chocolate can now travel to Australia and New Zealand, we can sell the cacao on a much larger scale to chocolate makers.” And the results speak for themselves. In 2023, Gaston Chocolat exported 17 tonnes of dried cacao. This year, they’re on track to export 60 tonnes—almost a fourfold increase. “That’s almost fifteen percent of the national market, and we’re quite proud of that achievement,” Mr. Gaston adds. But Gaston Chocolat’s impact goes beyond just business success. The company has built a network of 367 Ni-Vanuatu farmers, training them over the last decade to grow and harvest high-quality cacao. In 2024 alone, the farmers have been harvesting for a total of 57 days. And the rewards have been significant. Gaston Chocolat has built a network of 367 Ni-Vanuatu farmers, training them over the last decade to grow and harvest high-quality cacao. “Our farmers now earn the equivalent of twice the minimum wage by working just one day a week,” says Mr. Gaston. “Because we create jobs in the islands that pay more than the jobs in Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, we are fighting the urban drift. We’ve proven that rural jobs can pay better than city jobs.” Gaston is driven by more than just profits. “We are always conscious about looking after our staff well, respecting the culture, and considering our environmental impact,” he explains. “I want to run Gaston Chocolat sustainably, and I want everyone in the supply chain to benefit from the business and improve their standard of living.” More articles like this one
From Cacao Beans to Fruity Bars
Cathliro Commodities, a women-led, locally owned cocoa producer and exporter in Solomon Islands, has taken a significant step forward in its operations with the recent handover of a food dehydrator machine. The equipment, officially delivered in September 2024 and funded by the PACER Plus Development and Economic Cooperation (DEC) Work Programme, is set to enhance the company’s ability to produce value-added cocoa products and diversify into dried fruits. This support marks a turning point for the small business, which has become a beacon of hope for local farmers and a rising player in the international cocoa market. Diana Yates (far left), Cathliro Commodities founder, with Collin Beck (second from left), Permanent Secretary of Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade at the dehydrator handover along with Natalia Patternot (third from left), Director of Department of External Trade and Tristein Zutu, PACER Plus National Coordinator Solomon Islands. Cathliro Commodities was founded by Ms. Diana Yates, a determined entrepreneur with a vision to elevate Solomon Islands’ cocoa industry. Her 99-hectare cocoa farm, based in Guadalcanal, has been instrumental in connecting local farmers from nearby provinces, including Isabel and Makira, to international markets. The company purchases cocoa beans from over 200 local growers, transforming these raw materials into high-quality cocoa products for export. But the company’s ambition doesn’t stop there—Cathliro is diversifying its product line to include dried fruits like pineapple, banana, and pawpaw, a move that the new dehydrator will help realise. Speaking at the handover ceremony, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET), Mr. Collin Beck, emphasised the significance of empowering local producers like Cathliro Commodities. The PACER Plus-funded food dehydrator machine is set to enhance Cathliro’s ability to produce value-added cocoa products and diversify into dried fruits. “Cathliro’s progress demonstrates the potential of Solomon Islands’ agricultural sector, not only to enhance food security but also to build wealth from within. By empowering local farmers, Cathliro is helping them integrate meaningfully into the formal economy,” said Mr. Beck. “We encourage everyone to support local producers—whether by drinking cocoa tea, using cocoa powder in your baking, or purchasing our new fruit-infused cocoa bars.” The new dehydrator, Mr. Beck explained, will enable Cathliro to sustain and expand its production of high-value cocoa products, providing a boost to both domestic markets and international exports. The equipment is also expected to enhance the company’s capacity to process fruits, tapping into a growing niche market for dried tropical fruits and cocoa-based products in boutique overseas markets. For Ms. Diana Yates, the founder of Cathliro Commodities, the new equipment is a game-changer. “This support from PACER Plus is a big win for us. We’ve been working tirelessly to grow our business and help local farmers, but this dehydrator opens up a new world of opportunities,” she said. “Now, we can diversify our products and ensure sustainability in our operations, whatever the weather. We’re able to expand our drying techniques and process a larger volume of both cocoa and fruit, which is crucial for entering new markets.” The dehydrator will enable Cathliro to boost the production of cocoa paste, cocoa nibs, cocoa powder, cocoa tea, fruity chocolate bars, and a range of dried fruit products. These innovations are part of the company’s broader effort to move from raw material exports to high-value, finished goods that meet international standards. PACER Plus’s support extended beyond equipment, including valuable capacity-building initiatives for Cathliro’s staff. Ms. Yates shared that staff members received both online and hands-on training, some of which took place in Australia. The Cathliro team after the completion of the PACER Plus-funded five-day chocolate training program with South Pacific Cacao trainer (center). “Our team has grown so much thanks to the training provided by PACER Plus. It’s been transformative,” she said. “The capacity-building workshops helped our staff develop new products like our fruity cocoa bars, and we’re even working on launching nutty bars soon. This progress wouldn’t have been possible without PACER Plus’s support.” Looking ahead, Cathliro is set to improve the quality of its offerings and scale its operations to meet international export requirements. With the help of PACER Plus, Cathliro Commodities is not only elevating Solomon Islands’ cocoa industry but also providing a blueprint for local businesses to grow, innovate, and thrive in regional and global markets. More articles like this one
Golden Success: How PACER Plus Helped Niue Honey Thrive
Niue Honey, recently named Best International Honey at the United Kingdom’s 85th National Honey Show—dubbed the Oscars of world honey—is not just any honey. It’s certified organic, unpasteurised, and boasts a complex palate of caramel and malt. But behind its success lies a story of resilience, innovation, and international collaboration that goes beyond taste. At the core of Niue Honey’s triumph is its unique origin: Niue is home to the world’s last known significant population of Italian honeybees, completely free from diseases and parasites that plague bee colonies elsewhere. These bees, Apis mellifera ligustica, are responsible for most global pollination, and their isolation on Niue has preserved their purity, making them a key asset in global efforts to safeguard bee populations. Niue Honey was recently named Best International Honey at the United Kingdom’s National Honey Show. However, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Like many businesses across the Pacific, Niue Honey Company faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of their biggest hurdles was securing their signature honey bottles, which had to be imported from China. With global supply chains disrupted, the company was at a standstill. “We asked ourselves, ‘How can we present a world-class innovative product in a world-class innovative way?’ recalled Richard Duncan of Niue Honey Company. “Our unique bottles set us apart, but when the supply from China stopped due to the lockdown, we were left scrambling for solutions. That’s when PACER Plus stepped in.” PACER Plus provided timely assistance. Through its DEC Work Programme, PACER Plus helped Niue Honey secure the designs and models necessary to produce their bottles closer to home. This collaboration not only salvaged the company’s ability to package their honey but also helped them establish a new bottle manufacturer in New Zealand. “PACER Plus really came through for us. They helped us get our bottles made in time, allowing Niue Honey to re-engage with the market. Now we have a New Zealand-based manufacturer producing our bottles, which has been a game-changer,” said Duncan. With their packaging challenges resolved, Niue Honey quickly regained momentum in the gourmet honey market. In New Zealand, their product was already well-established, but 2024 saw their expansion into Australia, where Niue Honey is now available at Whole Foods Australia (link here). Niue Honey also has plans to enter the United Kingdom by early 2025. “We’re working through the final paperwork to access the UK market,” Duncan shared. “When we do, this will be the first time an agricultural product from Niue reaches the UK. It’s exciting, as our honey tells a story—not just about our bees but about Niue and the wider Pacific.” Niue Honey is much more than a luxury product; it represents a significant contribution to agriculture and food security. Beyond honey production, the company also exports pure, healthy queen bees to help repopulate bee colonies worldwide. “Our bees are liquid gold,” Duncan said proudly. “We have the opportunity to breed and export queens to other Pacific islands, supporting food security and agricultural productivity across the region.” Award-winning New Zealand chef Peter Gordon has partnered with the Niue Honey Company, using it in a number of his dishes. This sense of purpose extends beyond Niue. As Duncan explained, the company envisions creating livelihood opportunities across the Pacific by reintroducing beekeeping on other islands. “Rebooting beekeeping as a livelihood generator, but more importantly, as a way to increase agricultural productivity—that’s a game-changer for agriculture in the region.” Award-winning New Zealand chef Peter Gordon, a champion of Niue Honey, stumbled upon the company’s product during a visit to the island. Known as the “godfather of fusion cuisine,” Chef Gordon has since used Niue Honey in various dishes and partnered with the company to help protect Niue’s unique bees through the Pacific Bee Sanctuary initiative. With PACER Plus’s support, Niue Honey is more than just a success story; it’s a testament to the power of regional cooperation and resilience. As Duncan put it, “The success of Niue Honey is not just about us—it’s about the Pacific, our bees, and the future of agriculture in the region.” More articles like this one