West Africa

Exclusive: Cocoa prices remain volatile following EUDR vote uncertainty

Cocoa markets have continued to react to uncertainty over EUDR legislation, with commodities prices on Futures trading platforms now commanding a three-month high, at around $8,500 a tonne, writes Neill Barston.

Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Sustainability

French cocoa group, Touton, reveals core progress with sustainability targets

The French headquartered cocoa and commodity ingredients group has unveiled its latest annual sustainability report focused on delivering on its environmental and responsible sourcing targets, reports, Neill Barston.

Cargill uses World Water Week to extend community support to ensure vital supplies

The Cargill Group has confirmed an extension of a joint initiative with the Global Water Challenge (GWC), investing over $5m into plans to assist communities to maintain vital water supplies in key international communities in its supply chains, writes Neill Barston.

Touton cocoa group seeks to raise its performance bar with its pact standard

French-headquartered cocoa business, Touton, has unveiled a key strategic move in launching its Pact Standard, a verified responsible sourcing system designed to create traceable, transparent, and sustainable supply chains for cocoa, coffee, vanilla, and other major ingredients, writes Neill Barston.

Mars makes strides with Sustainable in a Generation project, yet key environmental tests within supply chains remain

Mars has asserted it remains on track to achieve its 2050 net zero environmental goals, with the release of its 2023 Sustainable in a Generation report part of a $1 billion investment gearing towards achieving its milestone targets, reports Neill Barston.

Cemoi chocolatier unveils cocoa supply digitisation project ahead of EUDR regulations

French-based premium chocolate group Cemoi has confirmed that its cocoa sourcing operations are fully on course to meet requirements for the upcoming EUDR deforestation regulations due at the end of this year, reports Neill Barston.

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.

Guest blog: Exploring the dynamics of the global cocoa supply chain

As Confectionery Production has covered extensively over the past couple of years, the cocoa sector continues to face significant multiple challenges on a global level. Here, Dwiti Gaggar, Associate Consultant, Food and Nutrition, offers an overview on how the industry is navigating present key tests.

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

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