Touton director Antoine Delsart named Federation of Cocoa Commerce chairman

French-based ingredients firm Touton has celebrated key management member Antoine Delsart being appointed as the chairman of the Federation of Cocoa Commerce (FCC) group, writes Neill Barston.

The trade body has specialised in providing sector training, resources and aiming to provide transparency for the sector, having gained nearly a century of experience working in global markets.

As Touton noted in a social media post on Linekedin, Delsart, who serves as the company’s director of cocoa, has remained notably active within the wider industry, engaging with sector dialogue on key issues and working across the full value chain. 

His appointment comes at a particularly testing moment for the broader sector, as it grapples with a significant raft of major tests, including ongoing price volatility seen within the past 18 months, as well as farmers in West African producing nations of Ghana and Ivory Coast grappling with reduced farm gate pay levels, alongside significant problems relating to climate change, and disease impacting crops across the region.

Commenting on his appointment, Delsart said: “I am deeply honored to be nominated Chairman of the Federation of Cocoa Commerce. I extend my sincere gratitude to our members, and the former Board – Amit Suri, Eric Bourgeois – for their trust and support. I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Amit Suri for his guidance, leadership and support throughout the years. It will also be a privilege to serve alongside newly appointed Manoj Vashista as Vice-Chair and Damien Thouvenel as Treasurer of the FCC.

“I take on this role with lots of energy and a true passion for cocoa and cocoa trading. If there is one thing that stands the test of time, whatever the market conditions, it is the FCC, with its rules and principles. A long-lasting legacy that helps ensure a smooth and reliable global cocoa trade.

“As Chair, I am committed to building on this legacy and supporting the FCC in serving our industry for years to come,” adding that he looked forward to serving the community with a strong sense of dedication, openness and respect.

In addition, Touton has also just announced several core changes within its cocoa department. This includes Kevin Blanchard being promoted to Director, Cocoa Products Trading, bringing two decades of sector experience in the broader sector. He brings  extensive expertise to the continued development of our semi-finished cocoa products business, and succeeds Filipa Secretin, who is retiring after a distinguished career of more than 40 years operating in the cocoa trade. 

Furthermore, Emily Traub joins Touton USA as Trader, Cocoa Products North America. Bringing more than 17 years of experience across trading, operations, supply chain, and regulatory affairs in the North American cocoa sector. In addition, Lewis Yoboue, has been confirmed as returning to Touton following a rewarding experience with its sister company, Volcafe

Despite this, as we have reported recently, demand for cocoa in premium product ranges remains notable, though consumers in many territories are continuing to exercise buying caution with their shopping habits amid broader economic uncertainties.

Company acquisition
In other recent significant news, the business is now operating under new ownership, after Hartree Partners, a global energy and commodities trading company completed acquisition of the business in April. 

The move reportedly followed consultation with employees’ representatives and satisfaction of all customary closing conditions.

With its history dating back to 1848, Touton has developed into a globally recognised trader and supply chain manager, with deep expertise in cocoa, coffee, and ingredients.

According tot he company, it will continue to operate under its present brand and leadership team led by Patrick de Boussac, with its existing sustainability and operational platforms remaining intact.