Greater Sepik Cocoa Expo 2026 launched

The Greater Sepik Cocoa of Excellence & Trade Expo 2026 was officially launched by East Sepik Governor Allan Bird during a fundraising dinner at Dynasty Seafood Restaurant in Port Moresby.

The Expo will be held in Wewak from 21–23 April 2026. It will bring together overseas buyers and cocoa farmers from around Papua New Guinea to showcase PNG’s best cocoa.

The event was attended by national leaders, including Alotau MP Ricky Morris, Kiriwina-Goodenough MP Douglas Tomuriesa, and North Fly MP James Donald.

Heads of government departments and their representatives also attended, showing the importance of the Expo at the national level.

Governor Bird announced that the provincial government will give K500,000. The North Fly District Development Authority also pledged K1 million. A total of K1.5 million was raised during the launch, not including money from the purchase of dinner tables.

The Expo Committee Secretariat said the full fundraising report will be completed soon and official letters will be sent to stakeholders.

In his speech, Governor Bird said, “The 2026 Greater Sepik Cocoa of Excellence and Trade Expo aim to create an avenue where cocoa farmers from all over PNG who have the best cocoa can enter into contracts with overseas buyers who will be attending the show.”

The launch followed the theme: "From PNG Soil to Global Markets – Promoting Excellence in Cocoa.”

A symbolic handover of hosting rights took place, involving a traditional spear passed from MP Ricky Morris to Cocoa Board CEO Jesse Anjen, then to Governor Bird, and finally to Regional Cocoa Board Manager Daryll Worimo Wobar.

Cocoa Board CEO Jesse Anjen said East Sepik’s effort is the first time the Cocoa of Excellence Show will be held at the provincial level.

Technical Advisory and Working Committee Chairman Jeffrey Yawi thanked all supporters, saying their contributions are helping build a strong foundation for next year’s Expo.

Fundraising will continue in Vanimo on December 12 and end with the final dinner in Lae in January 2026.