Three winners declared at 2026 Cocoa of Excellence Expo

From L-R: National Head Judge Oonagh Brown, CEO PNG Cocoa Board Jesse Anjen, Jude Jalowa-Sasivi Corporative Biwat Angora, Paul Esiron-Goodenough Milne Bay, Tara from Cocoa Latitute Netherlands, David Peko Topura Milne Bay, and Wewak MP Stanley Samban. (NBC News)

Three outstanding cocoa producers have been jointly declared winners today at the 2026 Greater Sepik Cocoa of Excellence and Trade Expo in Wewak today.

It was extremely difficult to separate the top samples, as all three entries met the highest quality standards, resulting in a rare decision to award three equal winners instead of a single overall champion.

The winners are Jude Jalowa of Sasivi Corporative from Biwat Angoram in East Sepik Province, Paul Esi Ron of Goodenough, Bele Bele Village in Milne Bay Province, and David Peko of Topura in Alotau District, Milne Bay Province.

As part of their recognition, all three winners receive a microlot export license from PNG Cocoa Board and will enter into a signing contract with Cocoa Latitude, Netherlands, giving them direct access to international markets.

The announcement was made today the final day of the Expo, drawing excitement from farmers, industry stakeholders and international cocoa partners gathered in Wewak.

The Greater Sepik Cocoa of Excellence and Trade Expo continues to strengthen market linkages while promoting quality cocoa production across Papua New Guinea.