Hershey backs National Chocolate & Cocoa Day celebrations in Ivory Coast

The Hershey Company has backed National Chocolate & Cocoa Day celebrations in Abidjan, marking the contributions of the country’s cocoa farmers to the nation’s economy, reports Neill Barston.

As the US-headquartered business noted, the event, which ran from 30 September–2 October, organised by the country’s regulatory body for the sector, the Conseil du Café-Cacao, is regarded as an important means of marking the segment’s importance to the region.

The showcase aims to raise national awareness about the cocoa sector and the important role it plays in the nation’s economy, and showcase business opportunities for local processing of cocoa, including through artisanal chocolate making. This is especially the case given that presently, per capita consumption of chocolate produce remains low for the region – though authorities are actively working to change the situation.

“Our partnerships in Ivory Coast are some of the most pivotal in our global supply chain,” said Tricia Brannigan, Vice President, Chief Procurement Officer at The Hershey Company. “I’ve had the opportunity this week to meet with government leaders, our supply partners as well as development experts and cocoa-farming families in their communities. I couldn’t be prouder of the collaboration across these stakeholders, culminating in today’s event celebrating the cocoa sector and Ivory Coast’s talented artisanal chocolatiers.”

The chocolate and snack maker’s presence at the celebrations in Abidjan concludes a week-long trip to the nation by Hershey executives who met with partners, cocoa farmers and government leaders. On 29 September 2022, Hershey donated more than a million servings of Grow Nut, a children’s nutritional supplement, to the Children of Africa Foundation, whose founding President is Côte d’Ivoire First Lady Dominique Ouattara.

“Multi-stakeholder collaboration is the key to continued progress in cocoa,” said Leigh Horner, Vice President of Global Sustainability at The Hershey Company. “In partnership with Côte d’Ivoire’s leadership, NGOs, peers in the cocoa sector and cocoa-growing communities, we aim to create long-lasting impact and mutual success.”

Through Cocoa For Good, Hershey’s sustainable cocoa strategy and its pledge to invest $500 million in these communities by 2030, the company is working with experts across the cocoa sector to create a meaningful impact in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. The strategy is designed to address systemic social and environmental challenges in cocoa communities and help to create a resilient future. Cocoa For Good programs and partnerships help to keep children in school, diversify and increase incomes, give farmers the support to build thriving businesses and protect forests.

Furthermore, Hershey added its support for raising public awareness about forest conservation in the country through a donation to refurbish the visitor centres at the Banco National Park in Abidjan. The event heralds a new partnership between the company and the Office of Ivorian Parks and Reserves (OIPR) The funding was made possible by Hershey’s Good to Give Back initiative, focused on its employees volunteering for community initiatives around the world.

 

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