BUIN is hosting the 10th annual Bougainville Chocolate from today, September 23, to September 25, bringing together cocoa farmers, businesses, industry experts and communities to celebrate Bougainville’s world-renowned cocoa.
Australia and New Zealand are once again supporting the festival, which highlights the region’s cocoa industry and its importance to local communities and businesses.
Cocoa remains one of Bougainville’s most important agricultural commodities and a major source of income for many households.
Since its inception in 2016, the Bougainville Chocolate Festival has grown into a major event for the region’s cocoa industry, showcasing the quality of Bougainville cocoa while recognising the farmers, businesses, and communities behind its success.
The festival also promotes local cocoa enterprises and chocolate products, helping to raise the profile of Bougainville cocoa in national and international markets.
Celebrating the theme,“Bougainville Cocoa, Our Pride, Our Future: Promoting Cocoa Excellence, Sustainable Agriculture and Tourism Practices for Inclusive Economic Growth,”the three-day program will feature industry seminars, trade and product displays, chocolate tasting, cultural performances, and a cake-baking competition.
Local business houses played a key role in sponsoring the festival including Member for South Bougainville, Hon. Timothy Masiu who also contributed.
The festivities will run from 9 am to 5 pm each day for three-days, with farmers, businesses, communities, and visitors are all welcome to attend.
The Bougainville Chocolate Festival is an initiative of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, led by the Department of Primary Industries and is supported by the Bougainville Arts, Culture and Tourism Authority in partnership with the Governments of Australia and New
Zealand.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting sustainable economic growth and stronger communities across Bougainville.