Excellence Program
The history of cocoa-quality shows in Papua New Guinea began with the inaugural PNG Cocoa Warwagira Show in 2017, held in Kokopo, East New Britain Province. This was the country’s first formal Cocoa of Excellence event, bringing farmers from across PNG to submit their best beans for national judging. The show rewarded quality, highlighted the importance of proper fermentation and processing, and helped elevate PNG’s status by identifying beans that later gained international recognition.
In the following years, the Cocoa Board of PNG continued hosting national Cocoa of Excellence shows, which steadily strengthened the country’s focus on fine-flavour cocoa. By 2024, the Fourth National Cocoa Excellence Show in Milne Bay Province underscored PNG’s global potential—not for high volume, but for exceptional flavour and specialty-market appeal.
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Alongside the national events, regional initiatives also began to emerge. In 2025, East Sepik Province hosted a mini-Cocoa Cupping Competition at Baimuru Village in Yangoru-Saussia District, where 39 samples from Greater Sepik farmers were professionally evaluated. Supported by the Cocoa Board, FAO, and the EU-funded STREIT PNG Programme, this regional event drew international chocolate makers from the UK who praised Sepik cocoa for its consistency, lack of smoke taint, and A-grade export quality. The success of this smaller, community-driven event demonstrated the strength of Sepik cocoa and highlighted the value of bringing cocoa competitions closer to farmers in remote areas.
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This evolution paved the way for a major milestone: the launch of the Greater Sepik Cocoa of Excellence & Trade Expo 2026, jointly led by the East Sepik and West Sepik Provincial Governments. For the first time, a Cocoa of Excellence event is being run at a provincial government level, rather than centrally by the Cocoa Board. This marks a significant shift toward regional leadership and ownership of cocoa development. By building on both the national shows and the success of the 2025 cupping competition, the 2026 Expo is set to showcase the Greater Sepik’s world-class cocoa while also providing opportunities for farmers from across PNG to participate, learn, and connect with premium buyers.
GSCETE Fundrasing Dinner in Port Moresby, Novemeber 28th, 2025. (Pictured: CEO CBPNG Mr Jesse Anjen, Hon. Gov Allen Bird and Hon. Douglas Tomuriesa.)
Previous Shows
2017
Air Niugini PNG Cocoa Warwagira - ENB
The inaugural national cocoa quality event, officially known as the PNG Cocoa Warwagira Show, was held in Kokopo, East New Britain Province. This first National Cocoa of Excellence Show brought together producers from across the country, each submitting their best fermented and dried beans for assessment.
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After an initial screening, samples advanced to a formal tasting process led by a panel of international cocoa specialists and local experts. All evaluations were done through blind tastings, ensuring independent and unbiased judging based solely on flavour, aroma, structure, and bean quality.
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The PNG Cocoa Warwagira Show set the benchmark for cocoa judging in Papua New Guinea. Top-performing producers received national awards, and for the first time, PNG cocoa was positioned to gain recognition on the global Cocoa of Excellence stage—paving the way for future national competitions and international participation.
2024
National Cocoa Excellence Show - MBP
In Alotau, Miline Bay Province over 240 cocoa samples from across PNG were submitted for this year’s National Sampling and Tasting Competition at the National Cocoa Excellence Show. After initial screening, 244 samples progressed, and a strict quality check narrowed them to 107 samples for blind tasting.
A panel led by Head Judge Luke Spencer, supported by judges from Australia, New Zealand, and PNG, evaluated each sample anonymously to ensure a fair and independent process.
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The highest-scoring producers received Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards, with top winners earning the chance to represent Papua New Guinea at the 2025 International Cocoa of Excellence Show in France.
Judging Pannel for the National Cocoa Excellence Show - 2024