Regulation & Safety

Forest recently destroyed to grow cocoa near Blolequin in Cote D'Ivoire. Photo: Mighty Earth

Environment

Cocoa industry still failing to end deforestation, new report claims

By Anthony Myers

A new report from global advocacy organisation Mighty Earth claims that since the high-profile launch of the Cocoa and Forests Initiative (CFI), Africa’s top cocoa-producing nations continue to see huge areas of forest being destroyed to make room for...

Japan's borders have been shut for almost two years, disrupting daily life for its citizens and businesses. Pic: GettyImages

ISM2023

ISM Japan shifts its inaugural edition to 2023

By Anthony Myers

Koelnmesse, organisers of the ProSweets/ISM sweets and snacks trade fair in Cologne, said its plans for a new ISM event in Japan later in the year have been postponed until 2023.

EU food producers have six months to phase out the use of titanium dioxide. Pic: GettyImages/UltimaSperanza

The countdown to phase out E171 in EU foods has begun

By Gill Hyslop

Titanium dioxide (E171) - a popular additive that confers a bright white shade to frosting and cake decorations - has been banned as a food additive in the EU, with a six-month phasing out period coming into force this month (January 2022) after which...

The Coalition said it looks forward to discussing the proposals in detail with the Commission, it said. Pic: CN

Regulation

Cocoa Coalition applauds EC on new deforestation legislation

By Anthony Myers

The ‘Cocoa Coalition' of companies, NGOs, certification organisations and multistakeholder organisations has welcomed the European Commission’s (EC) publication of its proposed regulation on deforestation.

The French initiative is the result of long-standing work by the entire cocoa sector. Pic: Fairtrade International

Regulation

French government launches new initiative for sustainable cocoa

By Anthony Myers

The French government has recently updated its commitment for sustainable cocoa with a new initiative that brings together the State, industry companies, traders, distribution brands, civil society organisations, research institutes working in the cocoa...

The EU has taken a close look at responsible consumption and production, the WCF Partnership Meeting was told.  Pic EU

WCFPM21

Will EU legislation usher in a new era for cocoa sustainability?

By Anthony Myers

The World Cocoa Foundation’s Partnership Meeting heard a timely debate on EU landmark legal proposals set to be imposed that will mean that cocoa, along with other commodities such as palm oil and beef, linked to deforestation, will be banned from entering...

Stretches of Brazil's rainforest have been cut down, but it is one of the signatories at COP26 to end deforestation by 2030. Pic: WCF

COP26

Fairtrade: COP 26 is a ‘cop out’

By Anthony Myers

‘This COP’s outcome is in many ways a cop out, a frustrating conclusion to this summit filled with hope that we would see a start to the healing of our world… said Mary Kinyua, responding to the outcome of the Glasgow summit.

Climate change and extreme weather conditions will threaten Fairtrade farmers' livelihoods. Pic: GettyImages

Enviornment

Fairtrade Farmers issue urgent warning on climate change to COP26

By Anthony Myers

As the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (also known as COP26) gets underway today in a rainy Glasgow, a new Fairtrade study has revealed findings that ‘paints a bleak picture’ of the future for cocoa and other commodities.

TCHO also donates $10,000 annually to the African Cocoa Initiative II programme. Pic: TCHO

Governance

TCHO Chocolate awarded B Corp Certification

By Anthony Myers

Company’s work in reputable sourcing and community development were among the many attributes that warranted its qualification, said the body.

Blommer Chocolate is a owned by Fuji Holdings Inc. Pic:  Blommer Chocolate

Regulation

Blommer bans animal tests on ingredients after PETA push

By Anthony Myers

Blommer Chocolate Company, the largest cocoa processor and chocolate ingredient supplier in North America, has announced it has joined a growing list of major chocolate manufacturers, such as Arcor, Barry Callebaut, Ezaki Glico Co, The Hershey Company,...

Getty/zoramn

Could mandatory fruit and veg sections near entrances be next?

By Oliver Morrison

With the UK set to roll out restrictions on unhealthy food promotions in stores next year, fresh research claims healthier supermarket layouts, including fruit and vegetables placed near store entrances, improves customers’ food choices.

Pic: ECA

Regulation

European Cocoa Association adds five new members to the fold

By Anthony Myers

The European Cocoa Association (ECA), whose primary role is to act as an intermediary between the EU and cocoa producing countries when key concerns for the cocoa sector are under discussion, has announced the appointment of five new companies, bringing...

The Rainforest Alliance was able offer assistance to cocoa farmers from different countries. Pic: Cargill

Sustainability

Rainforest Alliance holds strong for cocoa farmers hit by the pandemic

By Anthony Myers

Its latest report highlights the new 2020 Rainforest Alliance certification programme (which has replaced former Rainforest Alliance and UTZ programmes since July 2021), the response to the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has worked to transform the cocoa...

Pic: Ombar Chocolate

Sustainability

Ombar chocolate applies to become B Corp certified

By Anthony Myers

The raw cacao chocolate brand has been striving to become as socially responsible as possible in its supply chain, using natural ingredients like raw, 100% organic Ecuadorian cacao, unrefined coconut sugar and fruit for its product. It is also gluten...

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars