farming
ICCO forecasts 11% cut in cocoa production, as Fairtrade urges action on farmer income
The International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) has revealed its latest quarterly data, as it forecasts a near 11% decline in global production, as key West African nations are hit by poor weather and crop diseases impacting yields, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Sustainability
Fairtrade joins social justice groups seeking to reform European Green Deal into global policy
A collective including social justice movement Solidar, the Fair Trade Advocacy Office (FTAO), Fairtrade International and the World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO) have called upon EU leaders to transform the European Green Deal on environmental legislation to provide increased support for farming communities, writes Neill Barston.
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 International marks World Day of Social Justice
Fairtrade International is marking World Day of Social Justice today, through partnering with the an International Labour Organisation initiative, the Global Coalition for Social Justice, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, 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
Ivory Coast’s 11% farmer pay increase falls short of industry’s hopes
The Ivory Coast has confirmed it is set to raise farmgate prices for cocoa by 11%, following calls from farmers for a significant rise in light of crop prices reaching sustained highs on global commodity markets, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
World Confectionery Conference Exclusive: Fairtrade Foundation continues fight for farmers’ rights
This year’s World Confectionery Conference will again feature a keynote speaking contribution from Fairtrade on its positive action with the crucial cocoa supply chain. Neill Barston speaks to Surmaya Talyarkhan, senior sustainability sourcing manager for cocoa, at Fairtrade Foundation, who discusses her work ahead of appearing at our 2023 show.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Regulatory, Sustainability
Ivory Coast and Senegal cocoa and cashew farmers gain €26 million EIB and Cofina investment
Sustainable agriculture, including cocoa and cashew production, in Ivory Coast and Sengal has been given a €26 million boost, as the European Investment Bank and Cofina Group confirm an agreement to support core farming operations within the region, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
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
Ferrero’s sustainability report reveals continued progress on key operational goals
A core achievement has been delivered by the Ferrero Group, as it expressed confidence in achieving its principal environmental and broader operating goals as it released its 14th sustainability report, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
ICCO report reveals cocoa prices hit near seven-year high
Cocoa commodity prices have rallied to a seven-year high to around the $3,000 in New York and £2,300 in London, amid a global production shortfall, according to latest figures from the ICCO, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Exclusive video: Cargill World Confectionery Conference focus
This year’s World Confectionery Conference is set to be hosted in Harrogate, Yorkshire, UK, drawing together a wealth of dynamic industry speakers representing the full range of the global confectionery sector and its supply chains.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability
Oxfam report on Ghana farmer earnings places pressure on sector sustainability
The latest report from Oxfam in the past week highlighting the plight of cocoa farmers in Ghana amid the impact of the present global cost of living crisis is particularly concerning to discover.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Sustainability
Barry Callebaut moves to enhance Forever Chocolate sustainability targets
The Barry Callebaut Group has asserted that its core Forever Chocolate programme geared around lifting 500,000 cocoa farmers out of poverty by 2025 remains on track, according to its latest assessment, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Sustainability