21 October 2010 – The Ivory Coast authorities are cracking down on poor quality cocoa. The cocoa regulating body notes that any exporters who sell damp or mouldy cocoa risk having their licenses revoked from next month.

The nation is the world’s top grower of cocoa but has faced problems with the quality of its beans, which are considered low grade compared to those of neighbouring country Ghana, who attract more of the top chocolate makers.

Gilbert Ano, president of the main cocoa regulating body and head of the Coffee and Cocoa Bourse, says, “From the first of November, all cocoa that does not respect the norms of quality in the state of Ivory Coast will be rejected. All those who contravene these regulations will be simply and purely sanctioned by having their licenses removed. We will control the quality in every outlet in Abdijan, San Pedro and all the towns.”

By Patrick Chidlow

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