Samoa's first chocolate producer using original Samoan cocoa is back in business after 13 years.
In 2003 Wilex Samoa's factory at Moata'a was burnt to the ground but now it has launched its new Koko Loa chocolates.
The company is now based at Lelata, not far from its previous location.
The general manager and owner, Tagaloa Eddie Wilson, said the company had been facing a lot of challenges but Koko Loa had already been successfully introduced into New Caledonia.
Tagaloa Eddie Wilson (right) Photo: RNZI/ Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
Tagaloa said he had the support of the Ministry of Agriculture to expand.
"We are working together with the two cocoa farmer associations in Upolu and I have just recently joined the farmer's association in Savai'i and we are looking at also propagating a 3,000 acre plantation. 3,000 acres, [where] we're going to start growing cocoa and kava predominantly," said Tagaloa.
