The European Cocoa Association names new president and executive committee
The last ECA event in Rome attracted senior representatives from across the sector. Pic: Neill Barston
The European Cocoa Association (ECA) has confirmed the election of Christian Vollers, Managing Director of Vollers Group, as its new president, writes Neill Barston.
His term is now active and will last until 15 May, for a period of a year, and in addition, Chris Beetge, Head of Cocoa at ofi (olam food ingredients), has also been appointed as the ECA Vice-President.
In addition, Guus de Gruiter, Co-CEO of ECOM Cocoa , as the ECA Treasurer, will form the organisation’s executive committee with the two other new senior appointees.
Notably. Vollers thanked the organisation’s outgoing chairman, Paul Davis, for his great achievements and leading role during his chairmanship, including on the significant development of ECA’s activities on the EU’s legislative agenda for the cocoa sector.
Christian Vollers commented “I am pleased to take up the Presidency of the European Cocoa Association at a moment where the cocoa sector finds itself at a crossroads. I am proud to represent the ECA as President as it is through the high degree of involvement of our growing network of members that we continue to be at the forefront in developing pragmatic solutions to increasingly complex legislation.
“As the voice of the European cocoa sector, the ECA continues to be heard by the European institutions and EU Member States.”
In addition, this year, there will be the 9th edition of the European Cocoa Forum in Malta, taking place between 16-18 September, with Confectionery Production having covered previous editions of the event.
It will bring together key players from the cocoa and chocolate sectors and allow attendees to engage with high-level speakers from producing countries, leading European businesses, European & international institutions, cocoa-related organisations and civil society.
This 3-day event will feature topical discussions, and ample networking opportunities both at the conference itself and through specially organised social events and dinners at unique locations in Malta. This special edition of the Forum will mark the 25th Anniversary of the European Cocoa Association.
