LOCAL business LF & Sons Enterprises has announced it is expanding cocoa supplies and improving market access to support livelihoods in remote areas of Malaita.
For the first time, Malaita’s largest cocoa buyer will partner with Australia to increase export volumes and strengthen its supply chain across the remote Northeast and Fouia region.
LF & Sons, a locally owned company, established in 1997, has grown from a small cocoa aggregator to the largest cocoa buyer in Malaita, and the sixth-largest exporter in Solomon Islands, with 290,000 kg of exports in 2023 alone.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said the importance of the collaboration in addressing key challenges in Malaita’s cocoa industry could not be overstated.
“Australia is partnering with LF & Sons as they build a more resilient, sustainable supply chain, to ensure more consistent market access for farmers and create economic opportunities for communities that may otherwise be left behind,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
LF & Sons sources cocoa beans from a wide network of local farmers, providing consistent market access, particularly for those farmers in isolated areas where transport and logistics costs often prevent them from accessing buyers.
The new partnership will support them to expand cocoa trading by reaching more remote farmers and increasing the frequency of collection trips to Northeast and Fouia toone to three days per week.
The partnership will also expand LF & Sons’ storage facilities in Gwanasu’u Village and implement a comprehensive farm rehabilitation program to improve cocoa yields.
This increased consistency in cocoa buying will help to stabilise prices and mitigate some of the logistical challenges associated with sourcing from remote areas.
A technical adviser will also work closely with LF & Sons’ team and local farmers, to provide training in sustainable farming and management techniques.
Managing Director of LF & Sons Enterprises, Levi Filualea, expressed appreciation for Australia’s support, highlighting the investment’s significance for local farmers.
“LF & Sons has long been committed to supporting cocoa farmers across Malaita, and this partnership will allow us to bring more remote communities into our network,” Mr Filualea said.
“We believe that providing consistent market access and quality support will increase farmers’ confidence to invest in cocoa, which will improve livelihoods and create a sustainable cocoa sector in Malaita.”
Source: Australia High Commission, Solomon Islands
