agriculture
Olam Group annual revenues reduced amid challenging global conditions
Singapore-based agri-business, Olam, has reported its latest annual results, with wider market turbulence resulting in revenues declining 12.1% to $48,3 billion, despite a stronger second half of 2023 for the group, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Sustainability
Exclusive: World Cocoa Conference places core focus on improving farmer income
A major focus on delivering a living income for farmers will form the central theme for this year’s World Cocoa Conference, which is set to take place in Brussels, returning after a pandemic-impacted six year break, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability
Fairtrade Foundation unveils breakthrough CMA initiative to drive retailer sustainability
Fairtrade Foundation has delivered what is believed to be a first of its kind initiative in driving business sustainability through the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA’s) new open-door policy for green agreements between companies, reports Neill Barston.
COP28 gains agreements, yet leaves many environmental questions remaining
This week has seen the conclusion of the COP28 event in Dubai, which has aimed to unite the world in seeking solutions to the most urgent environmental issues facing our planet, with a breakthrough declaration being achieved to acknowledge that food chains need to be considered in any action by governments around the world.
Business news, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Focus: Luker Chocolate’s Cacao Effect project records Colombian success
With sustainable sourcing at the centre of its business, Luker Chocolate has been at the forefront of delivering best practice in supply chains. Here, the company offers an overview of its longest running “Chocolate Dream’ project, the Cacao Effect in Colombia.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability
Fairtrade issues COP28 plea to UK government to support farmers with deforestation laws
Fairtrade has issued a plea to the UK government at the COP28 global summit to fulfil pledges on tackling deforestation, and to ensure that polices do not negatively impact on small scale farmers, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability
Cargill partners with Solidaridad for major multinational palm oil and soy farmer support venture
Cargill has joined with civil society group Solidaridad for a joint $4.6 million initiative across five countries to improve palm oil and soy farmer livelihoods, increase climate-friendly farming practices, and improve land conservation, writes Neill Barston.
World Confectionery Conference focus: Evolving the Luker Chocolate Dream
Our World Confectionery Conference has continued its strong thread of focus on sustainability, and the cocoa sector remains key to its future. Luker Chocolate joins our event’s Q&A session – here Julia Ocampo, the company’s vice president of cacao sourcing and sustainability explains the company’s vision
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Sustainability
Bunge and Viterra agri-ingredient firms set to merge in global multi-billion deal
Global ingredients group Bunge has confirmed a major merger agreement with fellow agricultural business Viterra to forge a combined group that has been valued by industry insiders at a total of $34 billion, writes Neill Barston.
Ferrero’s sustainability report reveals continued progress on key operational goals
A core achievement has been delivered by the Ferrero Group, as it expressed confidence in achieving its principal environmental and broader operating goals as it released its 14th sustainability report, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
ICCO report reveals cocoa prices hit near seven-year high
Cocoa commodity prices have rallied to a seven-year high to around the $3,000 in New York and £2,300 in London, amid a global production shortfall, according to latest figures from the ICCO, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Exclusive video: Cargill World Confectionery Conference focus
This year’s World Confectionery Conference is set to be hosted in Harrogate, Yorkshire, UK, drawing together a wealth of dynamic industry speakers representing the full range of the global confectionery sector and its supply chains.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability
Nestlé unveils latest global Institute of Agricultural sciences facilities
A key sector development has been confirmed by Nestlé, which has just officially inaugurated its Swiss-based Institute of Agricultural Sciences, targeting advancement of sustainable food systems, including those serving confectionery and snacks markets, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Oxfam report on Ghana farmer earnings places pressure on sector sustainability
The latest report from Oxfam in the past week highlighting the plight of cocoa farmers in Ghana amid the impact of the present global cost of living crisis is particularly concerning to discover.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Sustainability