africa

African Cocoa Marketplace targets regulatory support for region’s crop growing communities

A key emerging quality assurance and marketing service for cocoa businesses, the African Cocoa Marketplace (ACM), has reported a strong start to its operations across the region, which remains a core location for the industry in being a vital cog in the global chocolate and snacks global supply chain, writes Neill Barston.

World Confectionery Conference exclusive: HRM Oba Dokun Thompson discusses key cocoa challenges

With our fourth edition of the World Confectionery Conference just around the corner, we speak to HRM Oba Dokun Thompson on some of the major challenges facing the industry.

Bühler opens key Nigerian application centre serving wider African region

Swiss-headquartered industry solutions group Bühler has undertaken a joint venture with Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, for a strategically significant grains application centre in the African nation for its bakery operations, writes Neill Barston.

Sustainability consultancy business moves to offer services for EUDR compliance

Sustainability consultancy firm, FoodChain ID, has unveiled its latest Deforestation-free Services drive, targeting support for companies seeking to gain further guidance on the upcoming EUDR legislation with the EU, writes Neill Barston.

Ugandan vanilla exporters hail nation’s ability to compete with key Madagascar crops

A key move has been made by the Association of Vanilla Exporters of Uganda Limited (VANEX) in raising awareness of a need to diversify crop sources to avoid supply chain disruptions, as well as spotlighting the unique benefits of Ugandan vanilla, writes Neill Barston.

Major chocolate companies cleared of latest key US child labour lawsuit brought by Mali citizens

Major chocolate brands including Hershey, Nestle, Mars, Mondelez and Cargill have recently been cleared in a lawsuit brought by eight individuals from Mali in a key case involving alleged child slavery in Ivory Coast cocoa farms, according to Reuters.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Regulatory, Sustainability

Fairtrade appoints Sandra Uwera as new global CEO

Fairtrade International has appointed Sandra Uwera as its new global CEO to lead its ongoing social justice and sustainability mission, including improving conditions for communities serving cocoa supply chains, writes Neill Barston.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Sustainability

Interpack organiser Messe Düsseldorf backs FoodAfrica Cairo event

Interpack organiser Messe Düsseldorf is expanding its presence in Middle East Africa region with backing for the FoodAfrica Cairo trade fair event, writes Neill Barston.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability

International Cocoa Organisation welcomes Colombia into its membership

The International Cocoa Organisation has confirmed that it has completed a two-year process to appoint Colombia as a full member country, as it continues its mission to support sustainability within the sector, writes Neill Barston.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Regulatory, Sustainability

Yummex confectionery event set to showcase products from over 30 countries

An array of over 180 exhibitors from more than 30 countries will be descending on Dubai for the key Yummex confectionery event, with its newcomer area now fully booked, writes Neill Barston.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability

Olam releases sustainability strategy for supporting cashew nut farmers globally

Olam Food Ingredients (OFI) has moved to release sustainability targets tackling challenges within the global cashew supply chain, focused on improving farmer livelihoods, reports Neill Barston.

Business news, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability

Olam releases its 2020 annual report reaffirming sustainability commitments

The Global food and agri-business Olam International has released its 2020 Annual Report, confirming its key achievements for the year, including meeting its target for 100% traceability of its directly sourced cocoa, writes Neill Barston.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability

Nestlé names sustainably sourced cocoa among key areas for 2050 climate impact goals

The Nestlé group has placed supporting sustainably sourced cocoa as among key targets for achieving its ambitious 2050 net-zero climate goals, writes, Neill Barston.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability

MIA chocolate brand named as among top three sustainable suppliers

Sustainability-focused chocolate company MIA (Made in Africa), has gained a coveted spot among the top three confectionery brands in an industry review by not-for-profit organisation Ethical Consumer, writes Neill Barston.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability

Ugandan farmer looks to reverse poverty with new processing plant

Ugandan farmer Anthony Kalulu is on a mission to reverse poverty in his region with plans for a new agro-processing plant that will supply biscuit and yogurt producers with high-quality cassava flour, reports Rebecca Tee.

Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability

Hershey’s West African sustainability programme reinstated after being banned marks a key milestone

With sustainability being firmly at the core of many companies’ agendas within the confectionery sector, the breaking news that Hershey had been banned from carrying out its activities supporting cocoa farmers in West Africa was hugely significant.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Sustainability

MIA ethical brand gains key Great Taste Award for its dark chocolate drops

Celebrations were in order for ethical chocolate brand MIA, (Made In Africa), after gaining a coveted 2-star 2020 Great Taste Award for its single origin 65% dark chocolate drops, reports Neill Barston

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability

MIA ethical chocolate brand launches scheme for Madagascan girls’ education

British-founded ethical chocolate brand MIA, short for Made In Africa, has launched the Girls’ Education Fund under its 1 for Change impact programme to support vulnerable African students so they can achieve their potential.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Sustainability

Barry Callebaut expands cocoa sustainability with farm mapping in Ghana, Ivory Coast and Cameroon

A major milestone has been unveiled by the Barry Callebaut group in its sustainability policies through disclosing its direct cocoa suppliers in core markets of Ivory Coast, Ghana and Cameroon, reports Neill Barston

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability

Olam highlights importance of smallholder farmers in global supply chains

Global food and agri-business Olam International has highlighted the importance of addressing the long-term wellness and operational resilience needs of those small-scale farmers for sectors including cocoa production, amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability