01/12/2025
The Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) is making significant progress in strengthening direct export pathways for copra and cocoa, aiming to maximise value for local farmers and the national economy.
CEMA is shifting from reliance on intermediaries to direct engagement with international manufacturers, ensuring higher returns, improved market stability, and greater transparency.
Direct partnerships for cocoa exports with manufacturers like Barry Callebaut Cocoa Asia Pacific Pte Ltd and the United Arab Emirates via Bangladesh for copra exports are securing better prices and benefits for Solomon Islands commodities.
This approach reduces dependency on middlemen, retaining more export value within the country.
CEMA’s efforts align with the Government for National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT) mandate to secure better farm-gate prices and fairer participation for rural farmers.
CEMA recognises domestic processors’ vital role in value-adding, employment creation, and strengthening the local market.
The authority will continue to expand direct partnerships and open new export markets, prioritising China, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and premium chocolate manufacturers.
This strategic shift reinforces CEMA’s role as a driver of rural empowerment, increased farmer profitability, and sustainable national economic growth, supporting GNUT’s productivity and trade priorities.
Cocoa and copra are the two most important agricultural export commodities for the country, and their combined export earnings saw a significant surge in 2025, reaching over SBD$511 million in the first three quarters.
This growth is attributed to favourable global market prices, improved access to agricultural loans, increased participation from women and youth, and strengthened market linkages, leading to renewed confidence in the country’s agricultural sector.
– Govt Com Unit
18/11/2025
Thank you Solomon Star News
09/10/2025
Thank you Solomon Star News for sharing our story
Cocoa, copra export earn SB$511m as agriculture sector surges - Solomon Star News
Copra and cocoa has raked an impressive SBD$511.9 million in combined export value for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Quarter of 2025. This was announced by Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA), trading as Solomon Commodities on Thursday 9th October 2025. This achievement has more than double...
15/09/2025
CEMA Explores Partnership Opportunities with Applied Nutrition Pty Ltd in Brisbane
The Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA) recently led a successful mission to Brisbane, Australia, to explore partnership opportunities with Applied Nutrition Pty Ltd, a leading manufacturer of livestock feed premixes and nutritional supplements.
Led by CEMA Director Mr. Simon Chottu and Board Director Mr. Joseph Huta, the visit aimed to identify areas of collaboration that would support the revitalization of Solomon Islands' agricultural and livestock sectors through CEMA's Strategic Transformation Plan.
Discussions with Applied Nutrition focused on two key opportunities, including:
• Local Feeds Project: Developing customized nutritional supplements using local ingredients like copra meal, cassava, and rice bran to improve productivity in poultry, pigs, and cattle.
• Copra Meal Export: Exploring organic and non-organic copra meal exports from Solomon Islands to Australia, opening new value-adding opportunities for coconut growers and processors.
Mr. Chottu noted that the partnership aligns with the government's policy on agricultural diversification and food security, potentially reducing dependence on imported feeds and creating new markets for local products.
Mr. Huta emphasized the financial benefits for farmers and cooperatives, highlighting the potential for value-added production chains.
Applied Nutrition's Technical Director, Dr. Michael Evans welcomed the discussions and reaffirmed the company's commitment to building long-term partnerships with Solomon Islands stakeholders.
The next steps include compiling ingredient data and conducting further assessments to pave the way for pilot projects and export readiness.
This initiative supports the Solomon Islands Government's commitment to revitalizing CEMA, empowering rural farmers, diversifying exports, and strengthening food security.
30/08/2025
CEO vacancy at the Commodity Export Marketing Authority (CEMA).
29/07/2025
📢 Attention Copra & Cocoa Farmers!
CEMA trading as Solomon Commodities is now buying Copra at $10/kg and Cocoa at $45/kg! 💰🌴🍫
Want to become a buying agent or be part of the CEMA Revitalization Strategy?
👉 Visit the CEMA Head Office to find out how you can get involved and help grow our local commodity sector!
19/06/2025
Keep up the good work Seanut Traders Enterprise