government policy
Dawn of the Living Income Differential’s potential major impact on West African cocoa farming
This past week has seen the key start of the latest cocoa season within West Africa, which sees the introduction of the Living Income Differential put forward by the governments of the Ivory Coast and Ghana to support farmers wages. In a guest blog, Kojo Hayford, managing editor of Ghana’s Cocoa Post, reflects on its potential impact
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Food and Drink Federation calls for greater sector jobs support amid ongoing pandemic
The UK’s Food and Drink Federation (FDF) has warned that further government measures to support key sector businesses will be required in order to survive the economic effects of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, reports Neill Barston
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
BDSI expresses concern at ongoing US tariffs on German bakery exports
The Federal Association of the German Confectionery Industry (BDS) has expressed concerns over ongoing US tariffs imposed on its sweet pastry category goods, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, 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
Tony’s Chocolonely joins initiative to encourage citizens to vote in US election
Ethically-focused confectionery business Tony’s Chocolonely, has joined up with an initiative in the US encouraging citizens to register for voting ahead of the upcoming American elections, through launching a new campaign.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Regulatory, Sustainability
Ghana’s Cocobod pledges renewed action on alleged cocoa weight tampering
The Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod) has pledged action in the wake of a TV documentary focusing on alleged tampering of weighing scales by Licenced Buying Companies (LBCs) operating within the cocoa sector, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Packaging, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Industry doubts whether banning television advertising on treats will impact on reducing obesity
This week has again brought a renewed spotlight on the major issue of obesity, which has been characterised as having reached crisis levels within the UK, with two thirds of UK adults considered as being overweight, according to Public Health England.
Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, New products, Processing, Sustainability
Food and Drink Federation criticises government’s ‘missed opportunity’ on tackling obesity
The UK’s Food and Drink Federation has labelled the government’s new plans to tackle obesity amid the coronavirus crisis as a “missed opportunity” that penalises the sector, including manufacturers of confectionery and snacks ranges. Neill Barston reports.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
Time is not on our side for delivering tangible change for cocoa sustainability in Ghana and Ivory Coast
Building on last week’s news of events within the cocoa sector, sustainability is once again making major headlines with regard to a landmark new declaration relating to key markets in Ghana and Ivory Coast. This latest letter, from a combined total of 350 environmental, human rights and NGO groups has urged the two West African […]
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Environmental and human rights groups unite for declaration urging cocoa sustainability action
A total of 350 environmental, human rights and NGO groups have combined as signatories for a landmark letter urging the governments of Ivory Coast and Ghana to take key steps ensuring environmental sustainability and support for farmers within the cocoa supply chain. Neill Barston reports.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Confectionery supply chain due diligence becomes ever-more vital for cocoa sector
The issue of due diligence within confectionery supply chains is particularly topical, with mounting pressure on industry to deliver major progress on key environmental and corporate goals to improve conditions for key cocoa farming communities in Africa, as Keith Nuthall reports for Confectionery Production
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
BDSI calls for measures ensuring living income payments reach cocoa farmers directly
The Federal Association of the German Confectionery Industry (BDSI) has made a plea for measures to ensure a new trading tariff to be paid on cocoa from Ivory Coast and Ghana directly reaches farmers. Neill Barston reports.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
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
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