Meet Agnes
Agnes Pilopaso is a passionate cocoa farmer and entrepreneur based in the Solomon Islands. Her journey began in 2003 with just 3 hectares of cocoa on her family land. What started as a humble effort to make the most of their resources has grown into a thriving cocoa business that’s changing lives in her community.
In Agnes’s own words, “I told myself, ‘One day, these cocoa beans will take me around the world.’” Today, she’s not only exporting her beans internationally but also producing award-winning chocolate through her very own factory.
A Vision Rooted in Community
Agnes’s deep belief in the potential of cocoa led her to found APS Enterprise and grow Tupaghotua Cocoa Plantation into a hub for local empowerment. Her leadership supports more than 160 farmers and 55 workers, many of whom are women, school dropouts, and people who previously lacked stable income.
Her journey is also marked by recognition:
🏅 2015 – First award for local business
🏅 2016 – Award-winning locally made chocolate & first export to Malaysia
🏅 2017 – Honoured for creating chocolate from two distinct cocoa varieties
🎓 2018 – Australia Awards Scholarship in Trade and Export
🍫 2019 – Began hand-making chocolate and formally launched APS Enterprise
Overcoming Barriers as a Female Farmer
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Agnes has faced challenges—limited access to resources, training, and respect as a leader. But she has never let these barriers stop her. With perseverance and community support, she has become a powerful voice for women in agriculture.
"Many women carry both farming and family responsibilities. We need support, but we also need to believe in our own strength. That’s how I turned challenges into opportunities.”
Cocoa as a Force for Change
For Agnes and her community, cocoa is more than a crop, it’s a lifeline. “When buyers like Cocoa Sisters choose to work with us, they’re not just buying beans, they’re investing in the future of our people.”
It funds education, food, and healthcare. It creates jobs and reduces poverty. It builds dignity and purpose
Agnes is now working toward expanding her chocolate production and reaching more markets. Key areas of support include:
Investment in equipment and machinery, training in quality control and export logistics, strong, direct trade partnerships with brands that care.
Women at the Heart of Cocoa
Agnes advocates for the visibility and recognition of women’s labour across the cocoa value chain, from planting and fermenting to making chocolate by hand.
“Supporting women means strengthening entire communities. When our work is seen, heard, and valued, we can truly thrive.”