Chocolate festival hits the sweet spot

THOUSANDS of chocolate lovers descended on Buka to attend the annual Bougainville Chocolate Festival.
Held on Sept 21-22, the festival was an opportunity for cocoa producers to connect with international markets and to discuss ways to improve the quality and production of Bougainville cocoa.
In its third year, the event featured over 90 stalls, judging competitions and musical performances.
Speaking at the opening, Andrew Egan from the Australian High Commission, acknowledged the growth of the event in just three years and the positive international feedback being received on locally-produced cocoa beans.
“Cocoa grown in Bougainville is unique,” he said.
“The chocolate made from the cocoa here has a distinct flavour which chocolatiers from around the world are noticing.”