community support
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
Digital payments for Ghana’s cocoa growing communities could prove vital to the sector
A report authored by the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) and the UN-based Better Than Cash Alliance has highlighted a core issue of only 10% of payments being made digitally for farmers in Ghana’s cocoa sector – despite the fact that 90% of farmers now own mobile phones, according to latest research.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability
Key sector report highlights value of digital payments to Ghana’s farmers
The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) has released a report with the UN-based Better Than Cash Alliance of governments and companies, aiming to bring about major payment efficiencies for farmers in Ghana through introducing digital transactions. Neill Barston reports.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability
Co-Op repurposes funding for Fairtrade farmers around the world
The UK-based Co-op group has repurposed a total of £310,000 funding to directly support Fairtrade cocoa sector producers around the world, including farmers in Peru, who have been impacted by the global coronavirus crisis.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Processing, Sustainability
International Cocoa Initiative finds coronavirus causes spike in child labour within supply chains
Studies from the International Cocoa Initiative have found a concerning significant rise in the number of Ivory Coast children carrying out hazardous work within cocoa production. Neill Barston reports.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Regulatory, Sustainability
The Cadbury Foundation marks its 85th anniversary supporting community causes
One the most recognised confectionery brands in the UK, Cadbury, is marking the 85th anniversary today (19 June) of its charitable foundation that has contributed millions to a number of charitable causes during its eventful history.
International Cocoa Initiative report highlights need for urgent joint action
The International Cocoa Initiative (ICI) is marking World Day Against Child Labour today (12 June), in releasing its 2019 annual report highlighting progress made and urgent combined sector measures required to tackle what remains a major industry issue.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Regulatory, Sustainability
Fairtrade report claims key progress on training West African cocoa farmers
A series of schemes from Fairtrade International designed to assist cocoa farmers in Ghana and Ivory Coast has made notable gains in improving conditions for communities, according to a progress study. Neill Barston reports.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Processing, Sustainability
Swiss and UK staff at Mondelēz International raise charity funds with virtual challenge
Global confectionery and snacks group Mondelēz International staff from Switzerland and the UK have taken part in a virtual challenge aiming to raise £10,000 for charity through socially-distance cycling and running initiatives.