Fiji cocoa exporter Cacao Fiji aims to boost exports as global cocoa production led by Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana

Côte d’Ivoire remains the world’s largest cocoa producer, delivering over 2.3 million tonnes in 2023 – about 42 % of global supply – followed by Ghana, which produced roughly 0.6 million tonnes despite recent challenges. Indonesia ranks third, while the sector supports an estimated 50 million livelihoods across developing nations.

Fiji’s small‑holder‑driven company Cacao Fiji, founded by Arif Khan, is seeking to expand its role in the global market. After its first export of one metric ton to the United States, the firm plans to ship containers of 12 tons and aims to reach 50 metric tons of cocoa exports within one to two years. The expansion would involve more than 1,000 farmers initially, with a long‑term goal of supporting up to 10,000 smallholders, creating new income opportunities in rural communities. Cacao Fiji also intends to build a processing plant for cocoa powder and butter and is diversifying into coffee to complement Fiji’s sugar sector.