Vanimo Set to Host Next Corporate Fundraising Dinner for Greater Sepik Cocoa of Excellence & Trade Expo 2026

The Greater Sepik Cocoa of Excellence & Trade Expo 2026 is gearing up for its next major fundraising event, with Vanimo confirmed to host the second Corporate Fundraising Dinner on 12 December 2025. This follows the successful launch of the nationwide fundraising campaign in Port Moresby, which drew strong support from government, industry partners, and the business community.

The Expo’s Technical Advisory and Working Committee has also announced that a third fundraising dinner will be held in Lae on 26 January 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to mobilize nationwide backing for next year’s major cocoa event in Wewak.

The Committee says the continued fundraising drive is essential to ensuring the successful hosting of the Expo, scheduled for 21–23 April 2026. The event is expected to attract cocoa farmers, international buyers, exporters, manufacturers, research institutions, and development partners from across Papua New Guinea and abroad.

Funds raised through the regional dinners will directly support logistics, farmer participation, technical demonstrations, cocoa competition activities, and trade engagement platforms designed to enhance market access for PNG’s cocoa producers. The Committee emphasized that creating opportunities for farmers to connect directly with buyers is a key objective of the 2026 Expo.

The Port Moresby launch has set a strong foundation for the nationwide campaign, and organisers are confident that Vanimo and Lae will demonstrate similar enthusiasm. The regional fundraising events aim to rally support from business houses, provincial administrations, community leaders, and individuals who share a commitment to strengthening the cocoa sector and improving rural livelihoods.

As preparations continue, the Greater Sepik Cocoa of Excellence & Trade Expo remains focused on elevating PNG cocoa, promoting excellence, and positioning locally grown cocoa on the global stage. With momentum growing across provinces, the upcoming fundraising dinners will play a crucial role in ensuring the Expo becomes a landmark event for Papua New Guinea’s agriculture sector.