Australian Chocolatier praises Vanuatu cocoa
May 27, 2025 10:00 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Kizzy Kalsakau.
An Australian chocolate maker credits Vanuatu’s high-quality cocoa beans and strong partnerships with local farmers—especially those in Malekula—as the key to his successful business.
Luke Spencer of Spencer Cocoa Chocolate Makers, based in Mudgee, New South Wales, established the family company in 2013. His chocolate is made exclusively from premium cocoa beans sourced from Malekula Island, Vanuatu.
Speaking on Vanuatu Nightly News, Spencer explained that his connection to Vanuatu began 15 years ago when he worked on a plantation in Malekula. It was there he met local cocoa growers, including Vanuatu’s cocoa expert Aisen Samuel, sparking a lasting collaboration. “We started small, working with one family, and now we buy beans from across Malekula,” he said.
A core part of Spencer’s approach is a commitment to fair trade. He avoids middlemen by working directly with farmers and ensuring they receive fair payment.
With support from the Australian and New Zealand governments through PHAMA Plus, Spencer has also helped fund solar dryers and proper storage facilities—projects that improve bean quality and benefit farmers.
“Vanuatu cocoa has developed greatly,” Spencer said.
“When I started, the beans were inconsistent. Now, they meet international standards, and buyers are taking notice.”
Australian customers have responded positively, praising the unique flavour of chocolate made with Vanuatu cocoa.
Spencer also mentioned that using Vanuatu beans has allowed them to introduce new products made from local cocoa.
He encouraged local farmers to focus on producing high-quality beans and building long-term relationships with reliable buyers instead of chasing fluctuating market prices.
Currently, Spencer pays more than VT600 per kilo for quality cocoa beans—one of the highest farm gate prices recorded—reflecting the value of the product and the strong partnerships he has helped establish.
Spencer is in Malekula this week, working closely with various cocoa farmers to source beans for export to Australia.
