How female cocoa farmers can benefit from the new EU Deforestation Regulations

Cocoa production is clearly linked to women, and sustainable value chains are too. But how indispensable are women to reach a sustainable cocoa value chain? This is just one of the questions that will be asked during the virtual discussion, which takes place on Wednesday, 11 October CET 16.45-17.45.​

Recently Cordillera Chocolate (the B2B business of Colombia’s Compañía Nacional de Chocolates) launched a hugely ambitious programme in the country’s cocoa-growing region that aims to generate a long-term transformation for women cocoa producers, enabling a more just, thriving, equitable and inclusive value chain.

'Women who transcend'

‘ATENEA – Women Who Transcend’ is a sustainability initiative with a ‘higher purpose,’ developing the capacities of rural cocoa-growing women to improve their quality of life and that of their families and communities while maintaining Colombia’s unique ecosystem.

Caroline Lubbers from the WINCC network will speak directly with Cordillera Chocolate’s Natalie Quintero Zuluaga (B2B Global Marketing Director), Alejandra Sarasty (Chief Global B2B Officer), and Juan Fernando Valenzuela (Director of Purchasing and Agricultural Development) to hear more about its women-led programme and ambitions. They will also share their experiences and the impact of the programme so far since it was launched in June 2023.

The online session will also explore how women play a key role in improving sustainability in cocoa production and by focussing on women empowerment, how companies can actually impact their targets on a sustainable value chain while also reaching the necessary requirements of the upcoming EU regulations.

• Participate in the conversation on Wednesday 11 October CET 16.45-17.45. This online session is open to all, with free registration at https://www.chocoa.nl/wincc​​

About WINCC​

WINCC aims to remove barriers to participation throughout the cocoa and chocolate value chain and empower women to increase their sphere of influence. It believes women's empowerment contributes to a sustainable and inclusive cocoa value chain.

About Cordillera Chocolate​

Cordillera Chocolate has demonstrated solid leadership in sustainability in Colombia and is becoming a global benchmark in rural development of cocoa-growing communities and building businesses through a sustainable vision.