From Village to Vienna!

‍KOSI in Europe: Village to Vienna

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We thought you would be interested in hearing our experience at an international Trade Show….

Background

In June this year we had the privilege of participating as an exhibitor in the Free From Specialty Food & Wine Trade Show (https://vienna.freefromfoodexpo.com/) which was held at the Max Halle in Vienna, Austria from 17 to 18 June 2025.

The Free From Specialty Trade Show aims to energise the Central andMid-European Retail Markets with new food suppliers introduced. This is driven by a growing demand for Free From and Health-Focused products. This event fundamentally aims to foster an environment where ideas flourish and partnerships thrive!

Experiencing a Global Event

I was delighted and thankful to represent KOSI and Solomon Islands at this Trade Show. The primary reasons for attending this global event were to expose the KOSI brand, learn about the EU market and innovative trend, make common connection, and gain potential leads.

I have learned a lot – the people, the businesses, the products, the places, the needs, and the pathways. I admired the professionalism that each exhibitors bring and show.The setups of different booths and stalls were so welcoming and creative that allowed people to relate and connect. I met some amazing people that loved the KOSI products and shared insights on how to improve the product better. I also saw some marketing and sales techniques that would suit KOSI if adopted according to our needs.

One feedback that most of the exhibitors made was that there less foot traffic this year– not as many people came to the event as was expected. This might be due to less marketing of the event and the location of the event itself. Nevertheless, it was successfully organised and hopefully attendance will improve at the next one.

Representing Solomon Island products to the World

Solomon Islands has some of the most beautiful and naturally made products in the Pacific. I am proud to connect my village people to the world market in Vienna. A village to Vienna journey for KOSI products! I believe that the exposure and representation of KOSI now affirm its direction ahead. KOSI is a fast-growing brand that offers high demand, locally made coconut and cocoa products – it has become a national brand. You see KOSI, you see Solomon Islands.

Solomon Island products in the world market are like a drop in the ocean. The value-added products presented by other exhibitors at the Trade Show are on a level above – the variety, quality and quantity are so exceptional. The only competitive edge of the Solomon Island products (KOSI products) is its unique story – the story of village lives being transformed and lifted. This is the factor to capitalise on.

Being the only Solomon Islander representative at the Trade Show is both an honour and humbling experience and excitement for an aspiring young business leader.

Navigating the new in Europe

It was my first time to travel to Europe and I had to navigate the journey by myself with courage and clarity.

Getting transport – uber and train – was efficient and not that expensive. I enjoyed walking in the city and seeing majestic historical sites. I had good food – I would’ve loved to taste any special Austrian dish, but didn’t get to.

The language mostly used is German (Viennese German). It was difficult to communicate at certain shops where people neither understand nor speak English.

The weather was fine – I was expecting the place to be cold but it was mostly like Solomon Islands, around 30 degrees. This allowed me to explore the richness and heritage of the city and marvelled at the way people are attracted to it.

Vienna is a beautiful place with many historical sites containing the rich heritage of the place – good to see how the early civilisation still stands after so many decades passed.

Takeaways

1.        People matter the most – whether in business, community, or any works of life!

2.        Products serve the people – the buyer is a person; connect to the person first!

3.        Price speaks at the world market – a good story contributes much to the value.

Tagio Tumas!

I would like to hugely thank the International Trade Center (ITC) and United Kingdom Trade Partnerships (UKTP) for making this participation possible. In Solomon Islands, the UKTP programme supports the competitiveness of SMEs in the food sector to increase exports to the UK and the rest of Europe.

By Steward Mane

General Manager

Kokonut Pacific Solomon Islands (KPSI) | Brand Name: KOSI

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