Samoa
The Cocoa Improvement Programme designed and implemented by SPS Biota has laid a foundation for re-establishing Samoan cocoa export after several decades of setback. This was achieved by working hand in hand with all actors across the whole value chain. The Programme led to productivity increase of 100% thanks to the quality of technical support provided by SPS experts, who have been regularly visiting Samoa for the last seven years.
Farming on Savai'i
Farming on Savai'i has always been everything besides easy due to volcanic terrain, high air salinity, cyclones, and isolation from markets. This Programme has provided an excellent venue for revitalizing Savai’i cocoa industry and at the same time supporting small holder farmers, who make a living from the cocoa production. Simultaneously, the cocoa farms are an important part of the precious Savai’i ecosystem providing a wide range of environmental benefits. ...
SPS Biota takes pride in being part of the Samoan cocoa industry renaissance, partnering with Savai’i Koko and Whittaker’s chocolate company since 2014. Savai’i Koko is owned and led by Tupa’i Saleimoa Vaa’i, who represents the fourth generation of growers. SBS Biota and Savai’i Koko have been working to improve cocoa production and processing to deliver premium beans to Whittaker’s. The Samoan beans are then turned into a premium product.
Philippines - Eastern Samar
The Philippines belongs among the world’s most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change. In November 2013, the typhoon Yolanda hit island of Samar with winds of over 300 km per hour, causing great damage. Farmers’ livelihoods based on coconut production has been devastated with millions of fallen trees. The Cocoa Programme designed and led by SPS aims to establish a sustainable and inclusive cocoa value chain.
The average income of Filipino coconut farmer is only $95 per month. Our Programme hopes to increase these earnings by engaging them in cocoa production, to create another income stream, and increase their resilience. By planting cocoa trees into existing coconut plantations, it makes sure no healthy tree is removed to plant a cocoa tree. The first shipment of cocoa to New Zealand is expected by the end of 2021.
