agriculture
World Cocoa Conference reception sets scene for key sector event
A strong sense of anticipation gathered surrounding the opening reception for the fifth edition of the World Cocoa Conference, as it places the quest to raise farmer pay firmly in the spotlight, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, 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
Guest blog: Major sector tests set to be unravelled at the World Cocoa Conference
With the World Cocoa Conference set to begin this weekend in Brussels, Belgium, Frank Joosten, Programme Director, Cocoa, at the IDH sustainable trade initiative, offers his view on some of the most pressing challenges facing the sector
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Sustainability
Puratos’s Belcolade Cacao-Trace on track to support cocoa farming community support goals
Puratos’s premium Belgian chocolate brand, Belcolade, has unveiled its latest annual report of its Cacao-Trace cocoa sector initiative, which has revealed it remains on track to reach its goal of up to 50,000 farmers around the world achieve a living income, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Regulatory, Sustainability
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