Sustainable Sourcing

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.

Profits from this year's Love Cocoa Advent Calendar will go towards the NHS. Pic: Love Cocoa

Seasonal

Britain’s NHS to receive 100% profits from Love Cocoa advent calendar

By Anthony Myers

Premium British chocolate brand Love Cocoa created by Cadbury scion James Cadbury has launched a new Luxury Chocolate Truffle Charity Advent Calendar as part of its 2021 Christmas Collection, with all profits going to Britain’s National Health Service...

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.

The new Don Choco bar from Ritter Sport. Pic: Ritter Sport

NPD

Ritter Sport launches limited-edition dark milk chocolate bar

By Anthony Myers

Family-owned German confectionery company has announced the launch of Don Choco - a limited-edition dark milk chocolate bar made from 100% certified, sustainable cocoa from its own cacao plantation in El Cacao, Nicaragua.

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,...

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...

Divine Chocolate's rebrand hist the shelves in September. Pic: Divine Chcolate

Sustainable sourcing

Divine Chocolate announces major rebrand

By Anthony Myers

Divine Chocolate, the only Fairtrade chocolate company in the world co-owned by cocoa farmers, has announced a total brand re-launch in September.

Pic: ConfectioneryNews

Regulation

ICC extends International Cocoa Agreement until 2024

By Anthony Myers

During a special session held earlier this month, the International Cocoa Council (ICC) said it has extended the duration of the seventh International Cocoa Agreement by two years to 30 September 2024.

Single origin cocoa’s ‘halo’ effect

Single origin special edition podcast

Single origin cocoa’s ‘halo’ effect

By Anthony Myers

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, there is a growing demand for consumers to know where the ingredients in the products they purchase come from, says Philippe Bernay, Commercial Marketing Lead EMEA, Cargill Cocoa.

Single origin milk chocolate is popular with consumers. Pic: Barry Callebaut

Single origin special edition

Single origin chocolate and cocoa enters the mainstream

By Anthony Myers

According to research by Barry Callebaut in the US, UK, Japan, France, and Germany, 75% of consumers think that single origin chocolate is more premium and more sustainable compared to standard chocolate.

Olam's single origin cocoa powder is crafted from 100% Ghana cocoa beans and can be offered as a fully traceable ingredient. Pic: Olam

Q&A - Single Origin Special Edition

The lowdown on single origin chocolate

By Anthony Myers

Kamil Sawicki, Global Head of Cocoa Powder at Olam Cocoa, tells us everything there is needed to know regarding single origin cocoa.