Quality system giving PNG cocoa a top label

The unique processes of bag-marking and fermentary registration in cocoa production will see Papua New Guinea continue to produce some of the finest fermented cocoa beans, says an exporter.
Bag-marking and fermentary registration processes ensure that every bag of cocoa bean produced in PNG can be traced back to the farmer, said Outspan PNG Limited operations manager Basavaraj Mashetty.
This, he said, improves quality control.
In instances where fermented cocoa beans are found to be substandard, the bags can be traced back to the farmer who can be helped to improve quality, Mashetty said.
“Bag-marking and fermentary registration are unique processes existing only in PNG and these traceability systems are going to play a key role in the future of the PNG cocoa sector,” he said.
Mashetty said that over the years regulatory bodies such as the Cocoa Board and The National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (Naqia) have developed a strong system of traceability.
“Our understanding of the global cocoa industry is vital to our ability to create value for the farmers in our supply chain,” he said.
He said Outspan has built a strong network of farmers over the years and are involved in many sustainability programmes.
“These programmes are focused on ensuring superior quality for PNG-grown cocoa, improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and providing a stable market for PNG’s cocoa production,” Mashetty said.

SOURCE: THE NATIONAL/PacNews