West Africa
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
Ghana introduces advanced organic cocoa production masterclasses
An innovative educational experience in Ghana is being created to offer the opportunity to experience organic cocoa processing, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Malaysian palm oil producers welcome expected delay in EUDR regulations
Palm oil producers in Malaysia have reportedly welcomed plans from the EU that would see a delay in implementing its much-publicised deforestation regulation policies that have met with fears in South East Asia and Latin America over elevated costs for farmers, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory
Fairtrade research finds living income payments deliver results for cocoa communities
Research from Fairtrade International has found cocoa farmers who were paid a living income reference price under its schemes alongside Tony’s Chocolonely and Ben & Jerry’s, earned around 15 percent more compared to government regulated farmgate prices, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Chocolate Cordillera joins industry call for global cocoa sector action
Chocolate Cordillera, the Colombian sustainable chocolate brand is preparing to participate in the upcoming Amsterdam Cocoa Week, with calls for collective global action on supporting key supply chain communities, writes Neil Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Sustainability
Tony’s Chocolonely extends mission partners and revenues
The latest Tony’s Chocolonely FAIR report has revealed a 20% increase in the number of farmers it reaches, with its cocoa farming for its ethically-founded chocolate production now as standing at 17,000, within its core markets including West Africa, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
Swiss-Ghanaian cocoa processing firm gains additional $15 million funding for expansion
A major strategic step forward has been taken by Swiss-Ghanaian industry start-up Koa raises US$ 15 million in equity towards furthering its expansion, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Processing, Regulatory
Exclusive: Cocoa upcycling business Koa set for ISM showcase
With cocoa bean processing traditionally experiencing considerable wastage, Koa is among a small group of firms making a key impact with environmentally-friendly methods forging new confectionery ranges. Neill Barston speaks to co-founder Anian Schreiber on its rapid rise ahead of its appearance at this year’s ISM.
Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
International Cocoa Initiative extends its ranks with Ecookim co-op joining its mission
Key Ivory coast farming cooperative, Ecookim Coop has been confirmed as having become the latest member of the International Cocoa Initiative, ICI, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability
Dove Galaxy embarks on global empowering women in cocoa campaign
The Mars-owned Dove Galaxy chocolate brand has unveiled plans for a major campaign targeting one million people through measures designed to empower women in core cocoa growing communities, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
ICCO highlights global slowdown in cocoa processing
Global grindings data has revealed a key slowdown in cocoa processing, attributed to higher operating costs, inflation pressures and increased energy costs, according to ICCO figures, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Processing, Sustainability
Nigeria cocoa exporters reveal issues over currency shortage impacting the sector
Further turbulence within Africa’s cocoa sector has been revealed, as Nigeria’s export markets become the latest to become unsettled, with reports of a shortfall in cash to pay labourers and logistics staff, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability
Ivory Coast cocoa exporters express concern over potential contract defaults over bean supply shortages
Ivory Coast cocoa exporters have been close to defaulting on their contracts over a reported lack of beans – amid a backdrop of a deficit of 150,000 tonnes of supplies, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability
CIGCI cocoa initiative moves towards key farmer payment recommendations
The Ivory Coast-Ghana Cocoa Initiative’s (CIGCI) Technical Working Group on Price and Markets has agreed a strategy towards delivering a more sustainable long-term pricing mechanism for the sector’s agricultural workers in the region, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Sustainability