West Africa
Bunge Loders Croklaan opens key Ghana shea butter processing site
Speciality oils and fats business Bunge Loders Croklaan (BLC), has officially opened an advanced shea butter processing facility in Tema, Ghana, with applications across the snacks, confectionery and bakery segments.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Sustainability
The International Cocoa Initiative calls for greater industry-wide action on child and forced labour
The International Cocoa Initiative (ICI) has called for ‘a massive expansion’ of collaboration from the industry’s key players to reach out at risk children and adults who are vulnerable to forced labour within the sector, reports Neill Barston
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
The Fairtrade Foundation gains key grants including support for Ghana cocoa farmers
The Fairtrade Foundation has won two out of eight grants launched today by the UK Government, including an agricultural support scheme backed by Mondelēz International in Ghana assisting cocoa producers in developing countries during the coronavirus pandemic.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability
Ghana’s Cocobod pledges renewed action on alleged cocoa weight tampering
The Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod) has pledged action in the wake of a TV documentary focusing on alleged tampering of weighing scales by Licenced Buying Companies (LBCs) operating within the cocoa sector, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Godiva becomes latest confectionery brand to join Earthworm Foundation
The global Godiva confectionery brand has been confirmed as the latest premium brand to join the not-for-profit Earthworm Foundation, as part of its ongoing campaigning for key environmental improvements for the cocoa supply chain sector.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Time is not on our side for delivering tangible change for cocoa sustainability in Ghana and Ivory Coast
Building on last week’s news of events within the cocoa sector, sustainability is once again making major headlines with regard to a landmark new declaration relating to key markets in Ghana and Ivory Coast. This latest letter, from a combined total of 350 environmental, human rights and NGO groups has urged the two West African […]
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Environmental and human rights groups unite for declaration urging cocoa sustainability action
A total of 350 environmental, human rights and NGO groups have combined as signatories for a landmark letter urging the governments of Ivory Coast and Ghana to take key steps ensuring environmental sustainability and support for farmers within the cocoa supply chain. Neill Barston reports.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
The International Cocoa Organisation continues its mission in relocated African headquarters
The International Cocoa Organisation plays a significant role in some of the sector’s key markets. Poorna Rodrigo reports for Confectionery Production on the group’s move from the UK to Ivory Coast
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Sustainability
Hershey Company has joined major confectionery businesses for Cocoa and Forests Initiative
The US-based Hershey Company has joined other major confectionery groups in confirming action plans to protect forests and restore forest cover in the cocoa growing regions in West Africa.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
Casa Luker joins Colombian government in cocoa production initiative
Colombian confectionery company Casa Luker has joined with the country’s government and National Cocoa Federation in pledging to produce deforestation-free and ‘peace-friendly’ cocoa by 2020.
Ingredients, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Nestlé membership of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil is renewed
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) association, has reinstated Nestlé’s membership after renewing its action plan on using 100% certified sustainable palm oil by 2023.
Business news, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Cocoa Barometer report raises concerns over child labour and farming sustainability
An updated Cocoa Barometer report for 2018 has expressed concerns over progress on sustainability measures and supporting farming communities in West Africa.
Mars Wrigley outlines plans to triple cocoa production
Delivering sustainable crop yields was a key topic of discussion at the World Cocoa Conference. Mars was among those asserting significant breakthroughs on the issue. Neill Barston reports