24 ANNUAL DIRECTORY 2018 MAINTAINING PACIFIC EXPORTS THROUGH FOOD SAFETY ACCREDITATION Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands had a problem. The local producer of virgin coconut oils and soap products sourced its oil from village and rural community producers and farmers, which was then refined and packaged for sale as virgin coconut oil suitable for cooking and as an ingredient in cosmetic products. Trouble was, the company needed to achieve food safety certification to the internationally recognised HACCP (Hazard Analyst and Critical Control Point certification standard) quickly. And as only the second entity based in the Solomon Islands to achieve such certification, the company didn’t quite know where to go. Enter stage left the Pacific Horticultural and Agriculture Market Access Program (PHAMA). This trade programme, funded by the Australian and New Zealand Governments, is based in six countries across the Pacific Islands – Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu – and exists to maintain and improve existing market access by developing the capacity of the public and private sectors to meet export requirements and regulations. One of PHAMA’s pivotal roles is to provide assistance and support towards industries and companies to comply with international food safety standards and acquire accreditation for successful compliance. As a result of being HACCP accredited, Kokonut Pacific Solomons Islands can maintain its export markets in Australia, New Zealand, the US and Europe. Maraghoto Enterprises is another oil-producing company in the Solomon Islands that PHAMA is supporting for HACCP accreditation. The company produces ngali nut oil which can be used for both cooking and cosmetic purposes. Owner Dr Richard Pauku is keen to get his products into the international market, and being HACCP accredited will boost his chances of doing that successfully. ISLAND ACHIEVEMENT
FT-Annual Directory 2018-eMag
To see the actual publication please follow the link above