“All safe, but it’s bad here.”
That was the message from Olivier Fernandez, our longtime friend and cocoa supplier after a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Vanuatu on December 17.
Since 2021, we’ve worked with Olivier and his business Gaston Chocolat (named after his grandfather) to source our single-origin Vanuatu cocoa.
Gaston partners with farmers across Vanuatu’s remote islands, helping them through the harvest and post-harvest process to produce the cocoa that forms the heart of our bars.
When the quake hit, Olivier was packing a container bound for Wellington at his factory in Port Vila. Thankfully, his team escaped serious injury, but landslides damaged Vanuatu’s main wharf, delaying exports for eight to twelve months. Olivier estimates they’ve lost $20 million in stock and equipment.
Despite logistical setbacks, Gaston managed to send a container of cocoa to New Zealand in January, an effort that helped keep staff employed while waiting for insurance to kick in. He describes New Zealand’s support as a lifeline.
“New Zealand is home to some of our first - and longest-running - customers. Our relationship goes beyond just trade; we know them personally, and there’s genuine heart in the chocolate they make. Thanks to their support, we’ve been able to move away from the commodity market and focus on direct trade.”
Despite the challenges, Olivier remains hopeful that recovery efforts will create a stronger, more sustainable future for Vanuatu’s cocoa industry.
In the days following the quake, WCF launched a fundraising drive, donating 10% of our retail sales from the 23rd and 24th of December to Gaston Chocolat which raised over $1000.
“They helped pre-pay for the key shipment to New Zealand and fund a new tree nursery to support our farmers,” Olivier says.
The nursery will encourage farmers to plant new trees, which is vital for the future of Vanuatu’s cocoa industry. Many cocoa plantations are ageing, and the industry risks decline without replanting.
“Until now, farmers haven’t considered cocoa a viable long-term livelihood. But with the growth of direct trade, we’re seeing a shift. If we don’t work together now to replant, the next generation could lose the opportunity to farm cocoa,” Olivier explains.
“The road ahead is long, but we are grateful for the support of our customers."
By supporting WCF, you help us make good on our commitment to support Olivier and growers across the Pacific. Thank you!
