Preparations for the European Cocoa Forum are fast taking shape

Industry technology and sustainable cocoa sourcing will be two of the major themes for this year’s European Cocoa Forum taking place in Lisbon, Portugal, between 17-19 September.

Registration is now open for the event, which offers a key opportunity for delegates to expand their business network and participate in engaging discussions with high-level speakers from the sector, and cocoa-producing countries and international organisations.

As its organisers explained to Confectionery Production, the forum, which is being held at the Pestana Palace Hotel, is designed with the aim to learn about current challenges and opportunities in the cocoa sector. Attendees will hear from a programme of high level representatives from cocoa producing countries, the European cocoa and chocolate industry  and international institutions, cocoa-related organisations as well as other sector experts.

Participants will also be able to engage in discussions during business sessions and expand their business network while interacting with delegates from cocoa producing countries, customers, suppliers and fellow cocoa colleagues.

The panels will focus on topics including  the cocoa supply chain’s climate agenda and how to reduce its carbon footprint, as well as how new technology will offer transformation opportunities in the cocoa market.

Subject areas also include optimising cocoa quality, which will address topical food safety regulatory challenges, plus new fermentation approaches with best practices towards expressing genetic flavour potential and management of fine flavour from bean to bar.

In addition, raising the integrity and credibility of the cocoa supply chain in tackling deforestation and child labour will also be on the agenda. These major issues have remained particularly prominent within the sector, with confectionery brands including Barry Callebaut, Mondelez International, Ferrero and Mars Wrigley all signing up for the Cocoa and Forests initiative which aims to drive an increased rate of tackling sustainable farming practices.

  • For more information about the event, including details of ‘early bird’ registration, visit www.eurococoa.com/

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