James Sampai from Kopi Constituency wins gold at Bougainville Chocolate Festival
James Sampai from Kopi Constituency in the Siwai District made his mark when he emerged as the gold winner in this year’s Bougainville Chocolate Festival.
Sampai came out on top out of more than 120 other cocoa farmers, winning a pre-fabricated cocoa fermentary. His cocoa bean samples will also be entered into the Biannual Cocoa of Excellence Competition.
The Chocolate Festival, which began on Wednesday this week, showcased the power of innovation and information sharing in driving socio-economic empowerment. In her closing remarks, ABG Minister for Primary Industry, Hon. Geraldine Paul, emphasized the festival’s role in enhancing the quality and standards of Bougainville’s cocoa products.
“The Festival provides a platform for our cocoa farmers and industry players to meet, share knowledge, and improve the quality of our cocoa,” said Minister Paul. She further addressed the question on everyone’s mind: what happens after the festival?
“The government, partners, industry players, and cocoa farmers all have a role to play in moving forward. We have learned from many examples of creativity and innovation, not only in cocoa but also in coconut, rice, and other sectors,” she said.
Minister Paul encouraged the industry to capitalize on the knowledge and connections gained through the festival to promote the growth and development of Bougainville’s cocoa industry. She posed a critical question to the stakeholders: “How can we use the insights we’ve gathered to ensure that Bougainville’s unique cocoa can influence and control the market in the future?”
She stressed the importance of continuity, urging all stakeholders to work together after each festival to advance the local cocoa industry in a way that meets both regional and global market expectations.
The silver category winners were Terence Sira and John Mala, while the bronze category winners included Osbourne Tavira, Felix Mansu, Chris Alex, and Edward Goarom. Chris Alex also received the Farmer’s Choice Award.
In concluding the event, Minister Paul acknowledged the support of all partners including the Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea governments, NGOs, ABG administration and corporate sponsors who made it possible for a successful event. She announced that the 2025 Bougainville Chocolate Festival will take place in Buin, South Bougainville.
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