EU releases fourth tranche of out-of-quota sugar

The European Commission has released a fourth round of out-of-quota sugar for the current marketing year at reduced levies in a bid to boost EU supplies as prices soar above...

Cocoa may help control diabetes, claims mice study

Research by Penn State University has found that mice fed cocoa have a reduced risk of obesity-related inflammation and type-2 diabetes.

Third party certification only way to combat cocoa child labor, says campaign group

Corporate sustainability programs do not go far enough to stamp out child labor on cocoa farms - only third party certification will do, says a new campaign.

Editor’s Blog

Mars cocoa genome research no Monsanto GM moment

Mars' cocoa genome research has the potential to avert a cocoa crisis and could benefit farmers in the developing world – it is no GM scandal.

Cocoa sustainability drive gains $3m industry commitment

The chocolate and cocoa industry has pledged $3m in new funds to global cocoa sustainability as major firms including Mondelez, Hershey and Cargill talk about their new initiatives.

Cocoa genetics: Mars unlocks sequence to higher yields and tastier chocolate

Mars has discovered the genetic sequence to breed higher yielding, disease tolerant cacao trees that could lead to better tasting chocolate.

Rabobank forecasts consecutive cocoa deficit for 2013/14.

Rabobank is anticipating that cocoa prices will rise higher than previously expected ahead of a consecutive supply and demand deficit in 2013/14.

NCA president: Sugar reform necessary to preserve US candy industry

Lawrence T. Graham, president of the National Confectioners Association (NCA) said sugar industry reform is needed to keep the American confectionery industry competitive.

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Nestlé Cocoa Plan to expand to US products

Nestlé USA announced at the National Confectioners Association (NCA) show that the company is expanding its Nestlé Cocoa Plan responsible sourcing program to its American product offerings.

News in brief

Natra to source 100% certified cocoa by 2020

Spanish-based chocolate and cocoa ingredients firm Natra has committed to sourcing 100% certified cocoa by 2020.

Cocoa processing migrating to origin, says ADM

Cocoa processing is increasingly moving to origin countries, particularly those in regions where chocolate consumption is rising such as Brazil and Indonesia, according to ADM Cocoa’s head of innovation.

Cargill starts construction of $100m Indonesian cocoa processing plant

Ingredients supplier Cargill has broken ground on its first cocoa processing facility in Asia located in Gresik, in the East Java region of Indonesia.

Fair Trade USA: Draft policy changes no hoax

Fair Trade USA claims that draft changes to its labeling policy allowing brands with 20% certified ingredients to carry its logo are justified in composite products like chocolate because components...

Exclusive

Cocoa flavanol content varies depending on origin, says Callebaut

Barry Callebaut’s innovation department has revealed that the level of cocoa flavanols, which are associated with a string of positive health effects, vary depending on where beans are sourced....

Ecuadorian cocoa wins vote of ADM and Cargill R&D chiefs

On a recent site visit, ADM Cocoa and Cargill both agreed that cocoa beans from Ecuadorian origin were the best tasting for chocolate.

News in brief

Asian cocoa grind falls 10.8%

Cocoa grinds in Asia were widely expected to rise but have declined sharply by 10.8% in the first quarter of 2013 compared to last year.

NGO questions Fair Trade USA chocolate labeling ‘hoax’

Not-for-profit organization Fair World Project has criticized changes to Fair Trade USA's labeling policy, which allows chocolate to carry the seal when it contains a high percentage of other ingredients...

News in brief

Mondelez and Callebaut up cocoa sustainability efforts

Mondelez International and Barry Calleabut have announced two projects within their broader commitments to cocoa sustainability.

European Q1 cocoa grind lowest since 2009

Europe’s first quarter (Q1) cocoa grind slumped 3.9% on last year as the debt crisis hampered chocolate demand in struggling economies.

Regular cocoa flavanol intake could help maintain brain health – study

New research claims regularly eating cocoa flavanols could protect people from neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Lower cocoa prices dent Callebaut profits

Barry Callebaut has reported a slight dip in half-year profits as lower cocoa prices meant customers were paying less for the company’s range of cocoa ingredients compared to last year....

Large fertilizer shipment to Ivory Coast expected to double cocoa yields

A 10,000 ton shipment of fertilizer arrived in the principal cocoa growing nation Ivory Coast today as part of an industry-backed initiative to double productivity on cocoa farms.

Oxfam fallout: Mars pledges to empower women cocoa farmers

Mars Chocolate promises to assess conditions for women cocoa farmers and will sign up to the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles after Oxfam accused it of neglecting gender inequality.

News in brief

Hershey: 10% certified cocoa by 2013

Hershey has set milestones to certify its entire cocoa supply by 2020 and hopes that 10% will be covered by the end of the year.