Koko Loa launched in American Samoa

10 December 2017, 12:00AM

Wilex Samoa’s Koko Loa brand of Premium Chocolates (made with Samoan Cocoa) is now available in American Samoa. 

Since officially launching this new product line in November 2017, it has been struggling to keep up with demand from both locals in Upolu and Savaii and especially the demand from visiting tourists wanting to take something uniquely Samoan with them as a gift for their loved ones. 

“Being a new product in Samoa, we were initially struggling to ensure we could keep up with the demand locally. We have always made it our priority to encourage our farmers to grow more! Our farmers have been able to double supply every season so it’s good so far! They are doing great and we’re seeing a lot of old cocoa plantations come back to life.

We’re so happy we can say that the cocoa production output is growing or this would all be in vain. Our farmers are our key to sustainability,” said Nathan Wilson.

The brand, Koko Loa was envisioned by founder Tagaloa Eddie Wilson.

The name Koko Loa is a play on his chiefly title Tagaloa – a God of our ancestor. Thus, Koko Loa is ‘Heaven Sent’. 

“We’ve been working with the American Samoan government on cocoa tree development in the past. A cocoa tree planting programme in American Samoa was spearheaded by their Department of Agriculture and Wilex Samoa selected the growing materials to be sent over during the last term of the Togiola Faoa government. 

Cocoa plantations have started up in Fagasa, Malaeloa and even in Manu’a so hopefully we can source some cocoa beans from there as well. 

The benefits of this trading is in line with the 2 Samoa long term plans,” noted Nathan.

The company is working with South Pacific Water Sports owners, Michael and Paul McDonald, in securing retail outlets for its products in American Samoa.

Retail Outlets include Forsgren’s, DDW Beach Café, South Pacific Watersports, KS Mart, Turtle & Shark South Seas Enterprise. 

The feedback from them has been great. A lot of tourists on island in American Samoa want something “SAMOAN” to take back with them and this is just such a great option for that and just in time for Christmas too!

Promoting at KS Mart

10 December 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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