community support
Seven chocolate manufacturers named in Ivory Coast cocoa sector child labour lawsuit
A landmark court case has begun in the US against seven major chocolate companies on behalf of eight Malian young men who claim to have been victims of child trafficking, and forced to work on cocoa plantations in Ivory Coast, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
ICCO cocoa research symposium unveils September date
The International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) and French institution Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) plan to hold the second edition of the International Symposium on Cocoa Research between 29-29 September 2021, in Montpellier, France, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability
Ugandan farmer looks to reverse poverty with new processing plant
Ugandan farmer Anthony Kalulu is on a mission to reverse poverty in his region with plans for a new agro-processing plant that will supply biscuit and yogurt producers with high-quality cassava flour, reports Rebecca Tee.
Hershey Company supports Thurgood Marshall College Fund scholarship scheme
The Hershey Company is set to invest $1.5 million in the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) to establish a scholarship scheme, which it intends to double over the next decade.
New Zealand’s Whittaker’s chocolate assists Ghana cocoa communities with school building project
New Zealand-based Whittaker’s chocolate confectionery has supported two key bean sourcing cocoa cooperatives in Ghana, through developing much-needed school facilities for the West African communities, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Processing, Sustainability
Mars reveals progress on its Cocoa For Generations billion-dollar cocoa sustainability plans
US-based Mars Wrigley has released its 2020 Cocoa for Generations report, updating progress on its $1 billion investment over a decade on its drive to ensure 100% sustainability for its cocoa sourcing in key markets of Ghana and Ivory Coast, reports Neill Barston
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
NORC study on child labour in Ghana and Ivory Coast cocoa production finds more collaborative work required
A major study into progress of industry measures put in place to tackle child labour in key cocoa supply chains in Ghana and Ivory Coast, has found that while inroads have been made, there is a significant volume of work remaining, writes Neill Barston.
Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Fairtrade Foundation calls on UK companies to back greater due diligence of global supply chains
The Fairtrade Foundation has called on British companies to increase their efforts to tackle human rights violations within global supply chains, including the cocoa sector, reports Neill Barston
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
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
Olam highlights importance of smallholder farmers in global supply chains
Global food and agri-business Olam International has highlighted the importance of addressing the long-term wellness and operational resilience needs of those small-scale farmers for sectors including cocoa production, amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability
Behind the scenes: The World Cocoa Foundation’s goal securing a sustainable industry for future generations
Few sector subjects remain as vital as the ever-more complex issue of delivering a sustainable cocoa sector. Neill Barston speaks exclusively to Rick Scobey, president of the World Cocoa Foundation on the state of the industry
Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, 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
Nestlé reports organic growth amid challenging pandemic conditions
Nestlé has reported a pattern of 2.8% organic growth in its six-month financial trading figures, yet despite a positive start to the year, its sales revenues fell for the period as the business adjusted to operating in testing pandemic conditions, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products