East Sepik steps up preparations as cocoa expo nears

With less than 30 days remaining, preparations are ramping up across East Sepik Province for the upcoming Greater Sepik Cocoa of Excellence & Trade Expo 2026, scheduled to take place from April 21–23 at the Sir Michael Somare Stadium in Wewak.

A total of 351 cocoa samples have been submitted for pre-judging, with entries received from all cocoa-growing provinces, including East and West Sepik.

Head Judge for the pre-judging, Oonagh Browne, confirmed to NBC News that only the top 50 samples will progress to the main competition during the show next month. 

She added that farmers and cooperatives who do not make it into the top 50 will be provided with detailed feedback reports to help improve the quality of their cocoa production moving forward.

Meanwhile, the East Sepik Provincial Government has come on board as the event’s Gold Sponsor, contributing K500,000 towards the successful staging of the show.

The Expo Secretariat has also confirmed growing international interest, with 15 international buyers and judges from Europe, the Pacific, Asia, and the United States already confirmed to attend. In addition, more than 30 participants from Jayapura, Indonesia, have expressed interest, though their attendance is yet to be finalized.

The National Cocoa of Excellence Show Branded under the name Greater Sepik Cocoa of Excellence & Trade Expo 2026, aims to promote Papua New Guinea’s fine-flavour cocoa and create pathways for local farmers to access premium specialty markets.

Organizers say momentum continues to build as the countdown draws closer, with expectations high that the event will further elevate the profile of PNG cocoa on the global stage.