For over 100 years, cocoa has been a driving force behind commercial agriculture in Papua New Guinea. But until now there has been little local use of PNG cocoa; instead, large quantities have been exported. In 2011, Paradise Foods Limited embarked on a new project to process PNG-grown cocoa beans into world-class single-origin chocolate couverture, investing in the establishment of a pilot plant in Port Moresby.
Farming expertise, rich soil and high rainfall are behind Papua New Guinea’s organic strength.
Australian chocolatier Dean Morgan of Zokoko is one of an increasing number of gourmet chocolate makers discovering that the fine cocoa flavour of Papua New Guinean cocoa makes excellent gourmet chocolate.