africa
Nestlé joins not-for-profit group Earthworm and Ivory Coast authorities for key forest scheme
Global confectionery group Nestlé has teamed up with not-for-profit organisation Earthworm Foundation for a major Ivory Coast forest protection initiative alongside the country’s ministry of Waters and Forests. Neill Barston reports
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Ghana’s Cocobod trade organisation reopens after temporary coronavirus office closure
Staff working at the headquarters of the Ghana Cocoa Board in Accra have been affected by coronavirus, resulting in a three-day closure of its offices and subsidiary divisions following deep-cleaning of its facilities.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability
BDSI expresses concern for cocoa industry over sharp decline in European grinding results
The Federal Association of the German Confectionery Industry (BDSI) has expressed concern at a sharp downturn in cocoa grinding serving the chocolate and confectionery industry, which has been badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Neill Barston reports.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability
Digital payments for Ghana’s cocoa growing communities could prove vital to the sector
A report authored by the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) and the UN-based Better Than Cash Alliance has highlighted a core issue of only 10% of payments being made digitally for farmers in Ghana’s cocoa sector – despite the fact that 90% of farmers now own mobile phones, according to latest research.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability
Puratos creates four new African subsidiaries for confectionery and bakery operations
The Puratos global confectionery and bakery ingredients group has developed four new African subsidiaries aiming to further establish local presence in key countries, in response to growing sector demand.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Sustainability
Tony’s Chocolonely launches dark milk bar for UK market
Netherlands-founded confectionery brand Tony’s Chocolonely, which has placed ethical trading as its core goal, is launching a new dark milk chocolate bar for the UK market, as it urges the industry to increase its action on child labour.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Packaging, Sustainability
Bühler makes major strides with its new Ivory Coast cocoa competence centre
Bühler’s recent virtual world presentations offered an online impression of technology set for Interpack, which was postponed due to coronavirus. One of the key stories to emerge was its new cocoa competence centre in Ivory Coast. Neill Barston speaks to the project’s director Désiré N’Zi.
Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
International Cocoa Initiative finds coronavirus causes spike in child labour within supply chains
Studies from the International Cocoa Initiative have found a concerning significant rise in the number of Ivory Coast children carrying out hazardous work within cocoa production. Neill Barston reports.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Regulatory, Sustainability
UK chocolate brand MIA releases sustainability impact report
UK-founded Chocolate brand MIA, short for Made In Africa, has revealed its key increased social and environmental gains in its 2019 impact report, as it upscales its production operations and manages a transition to locally pressed Madagascan cocoa butter.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Packaging, Processing, Sustainability
Nestlé decision to cease Fairtrade cocoa sourcing sparks major concern from Ivory Coast farmers
Fairtrade cocoa producers in Ivory Coast have expressed key concerns over a Nestlé UK and Ireland decision to switch from buying cocoa and sugar on Fairtrade terms, as the multinational company moves to a new deal with Rainforest Alliance. Neill Barston reports.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Sustainability
Ghana’s Cocoa Board to unveil $600 million loan scheme for key sector projects
The Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod) is set to launch a $600 million syndicated loan facility that has been established with Development Finance Institutions (DFI) to provide funding for key investment projects within the cocoa industry.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability
Greater progress required on key schemes to lift African cocoa farmers from below poverty line
Edward Akapire (below), head of region, Fairtrade Africa West Africa Network, reflects his observations on the key improvements that need to be made within the cocoa sector that will deliver on the progress being made by farming reforms in Ghana and Ivory Coast It is 6.00am in Divo in the heart of Côte d’Ivoire in […]
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability
International Cocoa Initiative report highlights need for urgent joint action
The International Cocoa Initiative (ICI) is marking World Day Against Child Labour today (12 June), in releasing its 2019 annual report highlighting progress made and urgent combined sector measures required to tackle what remains a major industry issue.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Regulatory, Sustainability
Cargill’s Sustainability Report reveals key measures to support global farmers
Enhancements to Cargill’s cocoa harvesting processes in adopting barcoded cocoa bags and digital (CMS) systems, mean 50 percent of sustainable beans in the global direct supply chain are now traceable from farm-to-factory.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability