Cocoa farmers have a chance to grow their production now and for new growers to begin supplying. According to chief executive officer James Rice, Paradise Foods Ltd is set to build a K55 million Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Lae that will create 75 jobs and support more cocoa farmers.
“I like to create jobs,” Rice said. “We have had a lot of regions that contacted us about planting more cocoa because it is a great income for farmers. So next year, we will be building a new factory which will be 20 times bigger than our current factory in Port Moresby which (produces) 10 tonnes a month. The new factory will be 200 tonnes a month.”
He added, “We will be buying by the end of next year 13 per cent of PNG’s beans which is very good for the people here.”
Rice also said that for K320, they have already purchased a 62.5kg normal unit bag. “We pay K520,” he said. “We pay a higher price. Everybody knows. That is why we get the best beans and we are happy to pay to get the best stuff. By the end of next year, we will be buying a lot more. We have a lot of areas interested in planting. If they start planting now, it will be ready in two years’ time.”
