Kokonut Pacific wins big at SICCI Business Excellence Awards
A truly hidden paradise
Solomon Islands, affectionately known as the Hapi Isles, is comprised of almost 1,000 islands in its grand archipelago. With a population of about 550,000, the nation is commonly regarded as being unspoilt and uncrowded. Surrounded by some of the most pristine beaches and forests, Solomon Islanders grow world class coconut and cocoa on their ancestral lands.
Our History
Revitalising rural economies through coconut processing
Pioneering coconut innovation since 1994
Kokonut Pacific Australia was established by by Australian Dr. Dan Etherington in 1994 to enhance the well-being of rural populations on tropical islands by producing premium grade coconut oil and other coconut products. Inspired by a traditional method he learned on the remote island of Tuvalu, Dr. Etherington developed the Direct Micro Expelling (DME) method, which uses a cold press to process coconuts into oil. This initiative aims to revitalise smallholder coconut industries by employing modern technology and partnering with local communities, firms, non-government organisations, and governments to ensure the necessary support systems are in place.
The Birth of KPSI
In 2004, Colin Dyer, Matthew Waletofea, and Rev Eric Takila partnered with Kokonut Pacific Pty Ltd of Australia to form Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands Ltd, working with Dr. Dan Etherington, Ewan Blair, and Greg Wright.
The goal was to create a network of village businesses producing Virgin Coconut Oil using the DME technology. By 2020, the network included over 100 units across the Solomon Islands, harvesting from more than 3,000 hectares and producing over 100 tonnes of VCO annually. In 2023, KPSI expanded into cocoa, working with 100 farmers and 10 drying units, aiming to double this by 2024.
Our Producers
Building a prosperous future together
Empowering Communities Through Coconut Production
At KOSI, we collaborate with families in the Solomon Islands to empower local communities through the production of coconut and cocoa products. A family commonly owns and runs the oil processing business, utilising the Direct Micro Expelling (DME) method to produce Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, preserving its maximum antioxidant and nutrient levels.KOSI’s network covers over 3,000 hectares of registered coconut groves owned by more than 1,000 farmers.
Enhancing Income with Cocoa Cultivation
In addition to coconut production, many plantations have cocoa trees growing under the coconut palms, providing farmers with additional income. Farmers sell their cocoa beans to local fermenting and drying plants, supported by KOSI, which then integrates the dried beans into the value chain. This collaborative effort revitalises the smallholder coconut and cocoa industry using modern technology and partnerships with local communities, firms, NGOs, and governments, ensuring sustainable and continuous development for rural communities.
KPSI has contributed 3 million Solomon Dollars per year every year on average, which is about 355,500 USD to village communities every year for the last 15 years.
The KOSI Model
Building a prosperous future together
Training and support
We train villagers in both farming and business practices, providing them with the necessary equipment and certifications for organic coconut oil production.
Production and purchase
KPSI purchases all the coconut oil produced across our farming network and processes it into a range of food-grade coconut oils and cosmetics, including soaps, lip balms, and body scrubs, which are sold locally and internationally.
Sustainability
By creating their own economic opportunities, we foster sustainability among growers, reducing dependency and empowering small enterprises by providing them with a market.
Market systems development
As a market systems development organisation, our model supports small business ownership among farmers, creates village employment, and stimulates commerce by generating demand for their products
Supporting Cultures, Tradition & Communities
Building a prosperous future together
The role of coconuts in the Solomon Islands
Coconuts have been central to Solomon Island rural communities for many decades, shaping lives, tradition, and livelihood. This abundant resource is fundamental to food security and, historically, to cash incomes.
Overcoming opportunity challenges in rural villages
Throughout many of the provinces and islands there has been limited opportunities for education and employment for people who live in the villages.
Many communities see their young people move away from their ancestral lands for better economic opportunities. Over generations this has led to fragmented communities and families and further limitation of opportunities.
The coconut and cocoa work in their villages gives young people economic and social opportunities which can support them to stay in their villages.
Our Team
Building a prosperous future together
KOSI’s Honiara factory and team
Based on the edge of Honiara, on a 1-hectare block is the KOSI factory. The hub of the national operations, employing more than 20 staff of both men and women.
The young and vibrant team of Solomon Islanders coordinates the logistics of oil collection, shipping, finance, quality control, support services, cosmetic production and certifications.
Bob
Co-Founder & Operations Director
Maureen
Production manager
Colin
Co-Founder & Marketing Director
Trina
Marketing manager
Trina
Marketing manager
Trina
Marketing manager
Trina
Marketing manager
Trina
Marketing manager
Awards
We’ve been honoured by acknowledgements and awards over the years. The support of our community and customers is especially rewarding.
Achievements
2019 Prime Minister’s Business of the Year Award Runner up
2019 Agribusiness of the Year Award
2016 & 2017 Prime Minister’s Business of the Year Award
2016 Export Business of the Year
2014, 2016 & 2017 Business Contribution to the Community Award
2015 Green Business of the Year (SME Category)
2015 Innovative Business of the Year
2015 Runner up Export Business of the Year
