Urgent Call for a National Cocoa Board to Enhance Fiji’s Cocoa Industry

Fiji is missing out on potential cocoa export earnings, with global prices near $10,000 per metric tonne. Cacao Fiji’s Arif Khan calls for the establishment of a national cocoa board and proper regulations. The current industry structure is inadequate for mass production, and strategic planning is essential to capitalize on the global cocoa shortage.

Fiji’s cocoa industry currently faces significant challenges, preventing the country from capitalizing on the high global cocoa prices, which are near $10,000 per metric tonne. Arif Khan, the director of Cacao Fiji, advocates for the establishment of a national cocoa board and proper regulatory frameworks to support the industry’s growth and commercialization.

Khan highlights that a global shortage of cocoa, primarily due to diseases, lack of investment, and adverse weather in leading producers such as Ghana and Ivory Coast, has driven prices up by 300 percent. He emphasizes the need for Fiji to invest seriously in cocoa production, given this scarcity.

The cocoa industry requires a structured approach, according to Mr. Khan, who suggests a strategic meeting to formulate a plan that includes the creation of a cocoa board managing daily operations. Without defined goals and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for growth, such as targeting 5,000 farmers or achieving production of 2-3 metric tonnes in the coming years, the industry will likely stagnate.

Although there are some positive discussions about the industry’s future, Mr. Khan notes that the structured, goal-oriented approach seen in Fiji’s sugar industry is currently lacking. At a cocoa convention in Amsterdam, he underscored the potential of Fiji’s unique branding to position locally produced cocoa as a premium product in the global market.

To summarize, Fiji’s cocoa industry stands at a crossroads due to global price increases fueled by shortages. Significant steps must be taken to develop the industry, including establishing a national cocoa board and setting clear, strategic goals. If these measures are not adopted, Fiji risks missing a valuable economic opportunity.

Original Source: www.fijitimes.com.fj