crops
Ghana’s Cocoa Board signs key $1.5 billion finance agreement for farmer payment
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has secured a $1.5billion pre-export finance agreement with a consortium of local and international financial institutions, enabling cocoa purchasing for its critical 2021/2022 season.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability
ICCO revises global cocoa harvests projections to highest ever world production levels
The International Cocoa Organisation has revised its crop forecasts for the 2020/21 including overall levels of global cocoa harvests, with a record-high projection of 5.141 million tonnes now anticipated for world production volumes, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Processing, Sustainability
Cargill targets major cocoa breakthrough with Aerofarms B-Corp vertical farming research
A major research project has been undertaken by Cargill with certified B Corporation vertical indoor farming business AeroFarms targeting key improvements for cocoa crops and delivering climate resilient farming techniques, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Sustainability
New board of directors for the Almond Board of California take their seats
The new Board of Directors of the Almond Board of California (ABC) have reportedly taken their seats, with five voting members – three of them new to the board – beginning new terms to help oversee support for the Key regional crop, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Downward pressure on Ivory Coast cocoa prices contrasted by Ghana’s stability
The International Cocoa Organisation’s latest monthly market analysis has highlighted the reduced ‘farm gate’ price being paid to farmers in Ivory Coast, wiping out the effect of the recently introduced Living Income Differential scheme supporting producers, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, 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
Ferrero moves towards 100% satellite mapping of palm oil supplies
The Ferrero group has made a key environmental move in committing to using the Starling satellite monitoring and verification service for its palm oil sourcing operations, writes Neill Barston
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Sustainability
Major public-private sector Ghana venture aims to help deliver cocoa sustainability
A major €2.3 million initiative between public sector, private sector and civil groups is being launched into key aspects of sustainability surrounding Ghana’s cocoa industry, in a bid to ensure its future viability reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Mondelēz report highlights $10 billion annual income gap for Ghana and Ivory Coast farmers
Mondelez International has released a major report with Wageningen University & Research into reducing the $10 billion income gap for cocoa farmers in Ghana and Ivory Coast, believing cross sector action is required, reports Neill Barston
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Ingredient focus: Generation Z driving continued momentum in the sector’s macadamia nut useage
As consumer habits continue to change amid the pandemic, Generation Z are demanding something different, and as Australian Macadamia, representing growers in the country, explains to Confectionery Production that it is well placed to meet rising expectations around health, convenience, uniqueness and the environment
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Guittard Chocolate launches cultivate better cocoa sustainability drive
The US-based Guittard Chocolate Company, has launched its Cultivate Better Cocoa initiative, engaging with farming communities to help protect unique flavour profiles of their crops, reports Neill Barston
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Australian macadamia crop forecast to exceed country’s expectations
The 2020 Australian macadamia crop will exceed expectations, announced the industry’s peak body, according to the Australian Macadamia Society (AMS).
Australian Macadamia nut farmers set out to improve sustainability
Studies are being carried out by Australian macadamia growers to understand the sustainable characteristics of macadamia trees in a bid to improve farming practices to enhance environmental practices within the industry.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability
California Almond crops projected to be down amid tough seasonal weather
Studies from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service have evaluated that the 2019 crop of Californian almonds, which are widely used in confectionery, will be 2.20 billion pounds, down 3.5% from the 2018 crop production of 2.28 billion pounds.