Aelan Chocolate draws global attention at Japan Expo

July 14, 2025 11:11 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

Compiled by Ezra Toara.

Founder and owner of Aelan Chocolate, Sandrine Wallez, brought international attention to Vanuatu’s value-added products during her recent visit to the Vanuatu Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

Her presence helped raise the profile of Aelan Chocolate and left a lasting impression on more than 1,000 visitors who explored the pavilion and tasted Vanuatu’s locally crafted chocolate.

Throughout her visit, Ms Wallez actively engaged with attendees by sharing the Aelan story and its mission to support local cocoa farmers while producing premium, small-batch chocolate that reflects the heritage and natural richness of Vanuatu. Her storytelling approach resonated with audiences and gave deeper meaning to the product.

Visitors took part in exclusive tasting sessions organised by Wallez, where they sampled Aelan’s artisanal varieties.

These hands-on experiences sparked conversations and led to new business connections, including with Aelan’s distribution partner based in Tokyo.

The positive response has already led to a noticeable increase in visits to Aelan Chocolate’s online boutique, with expectations of higher order volumes.

Although Aelan remains a niche producer with limited capacity, the outcome in Osaka points to new possibilities for Vanuatu’s value-added cocoa industry.

While in Japan, Wallez also joined a showcase at Isetan Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s leading department stores. There, World Chocolate Champion (2019) Chef Seiji Takishima created and presented pastries using Aelan Chocolate.

This high-profile collaboration introduced Vanuatu’s premium organic cocoa to a broader Japanese audience and further positioned Aelan Chocolate in the premium market.

Beyond public events, the visit opened up new commercial opportunities. Talks are now underway with Japanese importers regarding exports of cocoa nibs, cocoa beans, and cocoa powder.

Interest has also extended to other Vanuatu-made products such as oils, suggesting wider trade potential between Vanuatu and Japan.

These developments show how private sector efforts can play a key role in promoting Vanuatu’s unique products internationally.

The National Expo Committee welcomed Aelan Chocolate’s participation and thanked the company for helping raise the country’s profile on the global stage.

With growing momentum, Wallez’s efforts have set the stage for future exports and collaborations, strengthening Vanuatu’s presence in the global market for ethically produced, high-quality chocolate.