Meet: Coconut Cluster

We are excited to announce that our first enterprise in the Pacific has taken on investment. Coconut Cluster, based in Samoa, produce high quality virgin organic coconut oil and export it internationally and locally. Coconut oil traditionally has been used for cooking, but now is increasing in popularity as a beauty product in Western markets. TDi worked with Coconut Cluster to help them become investment ready, and ready to present to the Genesis Impact Fund, with whom they have taken on investment.

Let’s take a step back. Since July 2015, TDi has been working with DFAT to explore and identify Investable Social Enterprises (ISEs) in the Pacific. TDi has canvassed over 80 enterprises throughout Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu. To read the beginnings of this story, read Anthea’s blog here.

Coconut Cluster was part of this initiative. Founded by Samoan local Edwin Tamasese, the enterprise was founded on the belief that coconut farmers should be getting more return for their hard work and that the local community should benefit from one of the largest industries in the country.

So, Coconut Cluster was formed. A cooperative group of farmers established a high volume production and manufacturing facility for their organic coconut oil. The enterprise now buys coconuts from 208 farmers at a price higher than fair trade standards.

“By paying above market prices we ensure that large amounts of income are flowing back into the community… Doing good business is just a smart way to do things”

– Edwin Tamasese, Founder of Coconut Cluster

Coconut Cluster approached TDi in March 2016 after a delay in organic certification created challenges for their cashflow. TDi assisted Coconut Cluster by reviewing their cash flow forecast and growth expectations. TDi also worked with Coconut Cluster on their business model, as well as undertaking structuring and marketing exercises to better understand their company. Coconut Cluster are also keen to further develop their business model, their marketing strategies and their impact measurement with TDi.

Edwin says that Samoa only gains as much as socially conscious businesses can contribute. Coconut Cluster’s vision is to build their enterprise to a stage where it becomes a major employer and revenue earner for Samoa.

“Our belief is that money is only worthwhile if it is in circulation in the community, providing education, healthcare, access to nutrition and improved infrastructure. We want this company to demonstrate that ensuring equitable wealth distribution is a key part of the way forward to better communities and the progress of humanity”

– Edwin Tamasese

TDi are thrilled by the progress Coconut Cluster has made, and we are very proud to have been able to play a part in their growth.

See Coconut Cluster’s products and the great work that they’re doing here and here.

Spread the love

← Prev: The Importance of Your Value Proposition Next: Bessi meets BRAC →

Decent Work for Women Exiting the Justice System: Employment Collaboration Project

Over the past few months we’ve been working closely with community organisations who support women and non-binary folk to rebuild their lives after contact with the justice system.In our previous blog post on Decent Work for Women Exiting the Justice System, we looked...

Lessons from PNG’s entrepreneurs: Enchancing our approach to business support

Part 3 of our series on economic development in PNG: Here’s what we’ve learned from working within PNGs unique entrepreneurial landscape that informs the work ahead, and our practice as a whole.

7 Key Insights from 7 Years of Economic Development in PNG

In part 2 of our series on our economic development work in PNG, we reflect on the lessons we’ve learned over the last seven years, and how they might inform the future of economic development work with our much beloved neighbour.

Advancing an inclusive economy in PNG: Understanding the context and our approach to economic development

Part 1 in a series where we reflect on our work in PNG over the last 7-8 years, as well as the lessons we’ve learned, and where we believe further work should be focused over the next decade as we dream about an inclusive economy for our closest neighbour.

Creating Decent Work for Women Exiting the Justice System

Approximately 4,500 women exit the criminal justice system across Australia each year. How can create decent work for these women and drastically reduce recidivism? We’re exploring five pathways forward for women’s economic equality.

Is social entrepreneurship a good bedfellow for systems innovation?

How can social entrepreneurship serve systems innovation to address global challenges, and how can entrepreneurship catalyse transformative change within complex systems?

Ten years, a new chapter: Pioneering a new economy worthy of the human spirit

After ten years of learning and unlearning in economic development, our new strategy is a roadmap to an economy worthy of the human spirit.

Women’s economic equality: Breaking barriers, creating opportunities

To dismantle the barriers holding women back from economic participation, we must challenge existing paradigms, embrace innovation, and create opportunities designed for and by women. We're committed to making women's economic equality a reality, and we invite you to...

Inner Development key to achieve sustainable business growth: Our InsideOut Model

By Anna Moegerlein, Deputy CEO In the realm of economic development, a critical realization has emerged—the need for a holistic approach that integrates Inner Development with Enterprise Development. We’ve spent years testing and refining our approach to...

Building Resilient Food Systems: Future Healthy Food Hubs

In 2022 we began a project in partnership with VicHealth and STREAT to provide business support to seven regional food hubs across Victoria. Running until 2024, the program aims to ensure the long-term financial viability and sustainability of the food hubs, thereby...