Discovering Papua New Guinea Cocoa Heritage at York Cocoa Works
York Cocoa Works recently shared reflections from an expedition to Papua New Guinea, highlighting the collaborative relationships behind their chocolate production. The journey focused on the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and the East Sepik region, areas that supply beans for the manufactory's specialty bars.
Experiencing the Yekere Co-operative Chocolate Cupping Ceremony
A major highlight of the trip was a chocolate cupping ceremony hosted by the Yekere Co-operative. Drawing inspiration from coffee-tasting practices, the evaluation process involved turning distinct batches of cocoa into chocolate to assess the character and potential of the beans.
Fifty farmers from across the East Sepik and West Sepik regions submitted their harvests for independent evaluation. The resulting chocolate demonstrated strong flavor profiles, minimal defects, and remarkable consistency—challenging traditional challenges in the region, such as smoke notes often caused by wood-fire drying methods. What began as a formal competition evolved into a shared celebration of community success and agricultural pride.
Empowering Farmers and Strengthening Supply Chains
The visit underscored the importance of transparency in the cocoa industry. Often, farmers remain disconnected from the final product their harvests create. Initiatives like this—supported by organizations such as the International Trade Centre and detailed further through the FAO EU-STREIT PNG programme—aim to shift that dynamic by fostering direct engagement and sustainable practices. The milestone achievement of the co-operative securing the country's first farmer-based export licence marks a significant step forward for producer autonomy.
Visitors interested in learning more about chocolate origins, global heritage, and hands-on making sessions can explore current offerings through Musemap (musemap.art). To plan your visit or see what is currently scheduled, browse the what's on exhibitions or view the full museums list.
