agriculture
The shocking tide of global child labour poses major societal and industry challenges
The latest figures from Unicef and the International Labour Organisation that reveal child labour has risen by over 8 million in four years, to a huge total of 160 million, are exceptionally shocking.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Focus: Tony’s Chocolonely reveals progress against its ‘slave free’ cocoa sector mission
The issue of sustainability remains at the top of the pile within the cocoa sector’s agenda. Paul Schoenmakers, head of impact at Tony’s Chocolonely, discusses its progress on the issue, and responds to concerns over its approach to tackling the major ongoing sector problem of child labour. Neill Barston reports.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Ferrero signs Sicily based sustainable power agreement with Falck Renewables
The Ferrero group has confirmed a deal with Italian-based energy company Falck Renewables for a 10-year sustainable power supply agreement with two Sicilian photovoltaic projects contributing towards the confectionery company’s operations, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Barry Callebaut praises AI mapping of forests at risk in Malaysia, Indonesian and Philippines
Barry Callebaut has welcomed the results of a groundbreaking large-scale High Carbon Stock map, using artificial intelligence (AI) offering precise coverage of areas at risk of deforestation in cocoa-growing territories of Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Luker Foundation gains cocoa sustainability honours from RedEAmerica organisation
Colombia-based Luker Chocolate’s non-profit foundation has been honoured with a Transformadores Award from sustainability organisation RedEAmérica, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability
Tony’s Chocolonely delivers video series highlighting key social justice causes
Dutch-headquartered premium confectionery brand Tony’s Chocolonely has released a video series in conversation with five global changemakers with a shared passion of striving for social justice, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
Mondelēz and Olam forge Indonesian venture for world’s largest sustainable cocoa farm
Confectionery and snacks group Mondelēz International and Olam Food Ingredients (OFI) are set to deliver a ‘game changing’ venture to create the world’s single largest sustainable commercial cocoa farm in Indonesia, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
European Cocoa Association seeks EU sustainability action
The European Cocoa Association (ECA) has called on the EU to deliver clear mandatory due diligence targeting sustainability across the sector’s entire value chain, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability
Olam releases its 2020 annual report reaffirming sustainability commitments
The Global food and agri-business Olam International has released its 2020 Annual Report, confirming its key achievements for the year, including meeting its target for 100% traceability of its directly sourced cocoa, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability
Nestlé releases latest shared value sustainability report
The Nestlé group has unveiled its 2020 Creating Shared Value (CSV) and Sustainability Report that has underlined the completion of the majority of its sustainability commitments including on child labour and deforestation, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
South African raisins record strong seasonal crops for the global bakery sector
The bakery sector has reportedly seen high volumes and exceptional quality from South Africa’s key production region of currants this Easter, according to the country’s industry association.
Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Sustainability
One Tree Planted and ICRAF drive major Ivory Coast cocoa sustainability scheme
A major partnership between the One Tree Planted charity and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) aims to deliver a broad range of 550,000 new trees planted in Ivory Coast to help protect cocoa growing operations that have been stripped of their biodiversity through industrial activity, writes Cathy Watson.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Easter industry scorecard raises key concerns over cocoa sector sustainability performance
An industry Easter Scorecard on cocoa sustainability compiled by NGO’s including Be Slavery Free, Green America, INKOTA, Mighty Earth and the National Wildlife Federation has raised key social and environmental concerns over companies’ performance, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
BDSI reports gains for cocoa sustainability amid concerns over falling confectionery exports
The Federal Association of the German Confectionery Industry (BDSI) has welcomed results of its latest study revealing 77% of product ranges sold in the country now use sustainably certified cocoa – up seven per cent from 2019, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Processing, Sustainability