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."