Editor's Blog

Who owns the data data in the cocoa supply chain? Pic: Sourcemap

Chocoa21

Is data the currency of success in cocoa supply chain transparency?

By Anthony Myers

Following recent news that The European Union will contribute €25m to boost the sustainability of cocoa production in Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana and Cameroon, the first session at this year’s Chocoa21 conference, held online from Amsterdam, could turn...

Pic: GettyImages

2020 - a year like no other

ICYMI: Here’s our top 10 most popular confectionery stories of 2020

By Anthony Myers

From the WCF and Tony’s Chocolonely hosting fantastic events online, Barry Callebaut launching ground-breaking 3D-printing and the NCA’s John Downs steadying the ship in Florida as the coronavirus begins to swirl around the confectionery industry, we...

Daniel Aboagye, a cocoa farmer in Ghana's Western Region. Pic: Kristy Leissle

I am a cocoa farmer: Daniel Aboagye, Western Region, Ghana

'Cocoa pays for everything'

By Kristy Leissle

In the third of her occasional 'I am a cocoa farmer series', cocoa scholar Kristy Leissle talks to Daniel Aboagye, who is not only a farmer but a recorder, or purchasing clerk, for the Kuapa Kokoo licensed cocoa buying company (LBC), so he has...

Minebea's high-speed checkweighing solution. Pic: Minebea

Production

Increasing productivity in the confectionery industry

By Anthony Myers

The global consumption of confectionery is growing steadily, especially during the coronavirus pandemic, and for manufacturers of chocolate, sweets, chewing gum and other confectionery, this means making their production facilities fast, flexible, economical...

Cocoa Horizons farmer Nélida Morán Reyes receives new cocoa seedlings to start training in Good Agricultural Practices. Pic: Barry Callebaut Group

Sustainability

Barry Callebaut introduces its Cocoa Horizons scheme in Ecuador

By Anthony Myers

Following on from the Group’s groundbreaking ceremony in Ecuador for a new state-of-the-art cocoa facility, Barry Callebaut is ramping up its presence in the world’s third largest cocoa-growing country with a wider introduction of its Cocoa Horizons programme....

CNVIDEO: Satelligence to focus on cocoa's deforestation problems

Interview with Satelligence founder and CEO, Niels Wielaard

CNVIDEO: Satelligence to focus on cocoa's deforestation problems

By Anthony Myers

Satelligence is a new company that specializes in assessing patterns and trends in forests, agriculture and water, providing highly detailed satellite images for mapping purposes to help combat deforestation.

Cusco is in the heart of Peru's cocoa-growing region. Pic: peruforless.com

Guest post

Spotlight on chocolate in Peru

By Rachel Ricks

The coronavirus may have halted non-essential travel right now, but when the restrictions are lifted Peru is a go-to destination for cocoa lovers who have been missing their chocolate fix

Cacao juice is rich in proteins, vitamins, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, sodium and polyphenols and is a natural energizer. Pic: Pacha de Cacao

Health and fitness

Freshly pressed: Why Pacha de Cacao could be a game-changer

By Anthony Myers

Marika van Santvoort, founder of Pacha de Cacao, explains to ConfectioneryNews the benefits of cacao juice, not only for health-conscious western consumers, but also as potential extra revenue for cocoa farmers who are struggling on low incomes.

Cocoa and the coronavirus: can it boost the immune system?

Coronavirus

Cocoa and the coronavirus: can it boost the immune system?

By Anthony Myers

Cacao beans have been consumed by humans for over 3,000 years and the ingredient is well-known for its wide range of health benefits, recent research suggests it can provide stronger protection against influenza virus infection.

CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS: David Hill, managing director, Cocoda Ltd

Q&A

CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS: David Hill, managing director, Cocoda Ltd

By Anthony Myers

Cocoda Ltd specializes in the export of premium chocolate with a global network of retailers and partners. MD David Hill started his career in confectionery at United Biscuits and was mentored by Hotel Chocolat's Angus Thirlwell before setting up...

Chocoa Amsterdam returns to the port city for two days of discussion and commerce. Pic: Chocoa

Chocoa 2020

Chocoa Amsterdam: A market-led approach to cocoa sustainability

By Anthony Myers

The Chocoa Conference, held annually in Amsterdam for the past eight years, has gained a strong reputation for providing a platform for detailed discussions on sustainability and quality in the cocoa sector, ConfectioneryNews speaks to Jack Steijn, co-founder,...

 Fairtrade International’s mission is to enable farmers and workers to earn a decent living. Pic: Fairtrade America

Guest post

A fair approach to child labor issues in sugar and cocoa farming

By Anita Sheth

Fairtrade International pioneers unique and effective program to address child labor in farming communities. Anita Sheth, senior advisor social compliance and development, Fairtrade International, explains an ongoing program in Belize to empower local...

CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS: Steve Lightman

Q&A

CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS: Steve Lightman

By Anthony Myers

Steve Lightman, president, of food and gift provider Harry & David, talks heritage and exploring new markets, getting into the office at 6am and winding down with a game of golf with his wife in the beautiful Rogue Valley in Oregon, where the company...

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