New Zealand is to fund a programme to support Samoa's cocoa industry.
New Zealand Prime Minister, Bill English, said chocolate lovers and Samoan cocoa growers would both benefit from the $US3.4 million dollar five-year programme.
Whittaker's 'Single Origin Samoan Cacao' using Trinitario Cocoa beans from Savaii Photo: RNZI
Samoa exported about 5000 tonnes of cocoa annually during the 1960s, but exports have since declined to only 40 to 50 tonnes a year.
But Mr English said now there was a cocoa renaissance taking place in Samoa and New Zealand was very pleased to be able to contribute to it.
The New Zealand investment is intended to help Samoa achieve its goal of developing a thriving, sustainable, resilient and inclusive agricultural sector, with a particular focus on local farmers.
