Ghana
Touton delivers Cocoa and Forests Initiative progress, yet major challenges remain
The Touton Group has released its latest Cocoa and Forests Initiative report (CFI), in which it has claimed key progress, including doubling the amount of farms that it has engaged with as part of the key cross-industry initiative, writes Neill Barston.
Caobisco issues plea to EU Commission president on EUDR deforestation laws
The European confectionery trade body, Caobisco, has issued an urgent plea to EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen over significant concerns surrounding the implementation of the upcoming EUDR supply chain legislation, reports Neill Barston.
Global cocoa prices hit $10,000 again on Futures commodities markets
Cocoa prices on the commodities market once again tipped into the $10,000 a tonne price point, amid renewed pressure in the wake of an ICCO confirmation that crop supplies in key Ghana and Ivory Coast are expected to continue to experience a worse than anticipated deficit of supply, writes Neill Barston.
Exclusive: Puratos Cacao-Trace scheme sets ambitious targets supporting key cocoa communities
As the chocolate industry continues to play a stronger focus than ever surrounding delivery on sustainability goals amid upcoming EUDR regulations, Puratos recently released its annual Cacao-Trace report.
ICCO figures show cocoa supply chain deficits amid high volatility in global prices
The International Cocoa Association (ICCO), has released its latest quarterly bulletin revealing that crop deficits are ‘expected to be higher’ than previously anticipated, amid a shortage of supplies coming forward from key West African producing nations of Ghana and Ivory Coast, reports Neill Barston.
Fairtrade sustainability training schemes make gains in Ghana and Ivory Coast
Results from a new Fairtrade study have found that it has attained a notable expansion in sustainable practices training provision for farmers under its West African Cocoa Programme (WACP), across Ivory Coast, Ghana and Sierra Leone, writes Neill Barston.
Innovative scheme assists Ghana women cocoa farmers
A key collaboration between the Seattle Chocolate Company and several sector groups has been formed to boost support for women cocoa farmers in Ghana, writes Neill Barston.
Cocoa prices fall dramatically by 30% surrounding market liquidity fears
After hitting a major comparative peak last month, cocoa prices that were trading at around $12,000 on Futures commodities markets have experienced a sizable drop of around 30%, amid reported fears over a lack of liquidity in the market, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
KIT Institute study notes key results for Nestlé cocoa income accelerator scheme
A report from the KIT Institute has revealed that Nestlé’s income accelerator programme for cocoa farmers has seen their household pay levels increase by a total of 38%, amid wider sector ambitious of delivering a living income for agricultural workers, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
AI-assisted analysis and enhanced data tools deliver key gains with ofi Cocoa Compass report
The latest ofi (Olam food ingredients Cocoa Compass report has revealed core gains in its operations, including revealing that over 30,000 farmers are now earning a living income through its engagement, leaving it on track to reach 150,000 by 2030, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Alex Assanvo urges World Cocoa Conference to reach for the moon
Alex Assanvo, of the Ivory Coast Ghana Cocoa Initiative urged assembled sector leaders at the World Cocoa Conference to ‘put our tools together’ to deliver on a long-held quest for a living income for farmers, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
Rainforest Alliance places farmer pay and EUDR legislation as key World Cocoa Conference topics
The Rainforest Alliance organisation is set to make a notable appearance at the World Cocoa Conference opening this weekend, placing farmer’s living income, EUDR regulations and regenerative agriculture as key issues for action to deliver on sustainability goals, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
Ghana farmer video highlights plight of cocoa workers facing climate and financial challenges
An impactful new video produced by the recently-launched African Cocoa Marketplace (ACM) industry support services venture has revealed the plight of cocoa farmers in West Africa who are continuing to struggle in growing enough beans to earn a living amid major economic and climate-based challenges.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability
Barry Callebaut unveils Future Farming Initiative with Ecuador high-tech venture
An ambitious move from the Barry Callebaut Group has seen it unveil plans for a Future Farming Initiative (FFI), based upon an initial pilot project in Ecuador, aimed at creating scaleable, high-tech, sustainable cocoa supplies for the global market, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability