Cocoa & Sugar

Most of the cacao produced in Colombia is consumed internally, and a small portion is exported. Pic: Cacao for Peace

Sustainability

Focus on Cordillera Chocolates and Colombia’s Cacao for Peace initiative

By Anthony Myers

Colombia’s Cordillera Chocolates is a world pioneer in cocoa development. Established almost 60 years ago it has been training cocoa growers in various areas of agricultural practices, sustainability issues, disease control and productivity – and the...

This years Chocovision becomes part of the ECA's Cocoa Forum. Pic: Chocovision

Regulation

ECA announces programme for its Rome Cocoa Forum

By Anthony Myers

The European Cocoa Association (ECA) has released details of the programme and speakers for its European Cocoa Forum, which takes place from 13 to 15 September 2022 in Rome.

The EU is set introduce legislation on deforestation and corporate sustainability due diligence. Pic: EU

sustainability

EU and West African cocoa sector endorse new Alliance on Sustainable Cocoa

By Anthony Myers

At the end of the recent ‘Cocoa Talks’, between EU, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, and the cocoa sector, parties jointly endorsed an ‘Alliance on Sustainable Cocoa’, an ambitious roadmap to improve the economic, social and environmental sustainability of cocoa...

Jack Steijn (centre), Director & Co-founder of Equipoise and Chocoa, sits in on one of the hybrid sessions from the conference. Pic: CN

Chocoa 2022

Hybrid Chocoa 2022 stays on message

By Anthony Myers

The Chocoa Conference returned to Amsterdam earlier this month with a live-virtual hybrid get-together of important stakeholders from the cocoa sector.

Pic: CN

Grindings

Slight climb in cocoa prices as chocolate production slows

By Anthony Myers

Cocoa prices rallied in the week ending 24 June, after the Cote d’Ivoire government reported that cocoa farmers sent a cumulative 2.24 MMT of cocoa to its ports from 1 October 1 to 19 June, down -1.8% y/y.

Hershey's Cocoa For Good Strategy aims to improve farmer livelihoods in cocoa-growing communities. Pic: Hershey Company

Governance

Hershey ramps up its ESG priorities

By Anthony Myers

The Hershey Company’s evolution from sustainability to integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) priorities into its business strategy and operations continues with the sharing of its 2021 ESG Report.

Pic: Cargill

R&D

Cargill opens House of Chocolate at its Mouscron site

By Anthony Myers

Cargill has unveiled its new 6,200-square-metre House of Chocolate at its Mouscron site in Belgium, which will include a state-of-the-art chocolate experience centre, a unique pilot plant with sensory expertise, and creative workspace for the company’s...

The ECA has released its preliminary programme for the 2022 Cocoa Forum in Rome. Pic: ECA

ECA Cocoa Forum 2022

Eary-bird rates still available for ECA Cocoa Forum in Rome

By Anthony Myers

Early-bird rates for the European Cocoa Association Forum in September are available until 31 May. The two-day conference will feature high-level speakers from the EU institutions, cocoa producer countries and various other key players of the sector.

Nigerian farmers produce an average of 350-400kg cocoa per hectare. Pic: CN

Cocoa

Nigeria ramps up efforts to join cocoa LID scheme

By Anthony Myers

Nigeria’s cocoa sector has renewed its efforts to join the Living Income Differential (LID) set up by neighbouring Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire to protect their farmers by increasing income.

Mondelēz  says its on track to use 5% recycled plastic content by 2025. Pic: Mondelēz International

Sustainability

Mondelēz confirms progress in meeting ESG goals

By Anthony Myers

The Oreo and Cadbury owner has published its 2021 Snacking Made Right Report, which highlights progress against its short- and long-term ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) goals.

Sweet proteins… finally ready for prime time?

Sweet proteins… finally ready for prime time?

By Elaine Watson

From thaumatin to brazzein, we’ve been told for years that ultra-sweet proteins found in tiny quantities in some fruits could be the next big thing in natural sweeteners, if we can just find a way to produce them more cost effectively from microbial hosts....

Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center. Pic: Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center

Cocoa

ICCO pushes back World Cocoa Conference to 2024

By Anthony Myers

The World Cocoa Conference has been postponed for the third time after organisers International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) cited uncertainties of holding a global gathering in Bali with the potential of more travel restrictions due to the ongoing COVID-19...

German confectionery production could grind to a halt as it faces unprecedented supply chain and energy issues.  Photo: Gerhard Schubert GmbH

Production

German confectionery companies face collapse if regulations not lifted

By Anthony Myers

The manufacturing side of the German confectionery industry is facing its worse crisis in 70 years and could grind to a halt as it struggles with the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic and an impending gas shortage caused by the Russian invasion of...

Destination Rome for the next ECA Cocoa Forum. Pic: GettyImages

Conference

ECA opens registrations for its Rome Cocoa Forum

By Anthony Myers

The European Cocoa Association (ECA) has announced the opening of registrations for its European Cocoa Forum, which takes place from 13 to 15 September 2022 in Rome.

Colombian cocoa is known for its premium and distinctive flavour. Pic worldbulletin

Special report

Colombia cocoa’s peaceful transition to global prominence

By Anthony Myers

ConfectioneryNews talked to Jose Puyana, ProColombia's Regional Director for Europe, ahead of a Trade Mission to the UK (31 March to 3 April) to attend the London Coffee Festival, where cocoa producers will be also in attendance.