agriculture
US government and Ivory Coast farmers seek delay over EUDR implementation
The US government has joined a growing chorus of calls from farmers within the cocoa sector to the EU Commission for delaying the implementation of the upcoming EUDR regulations, reports Neill Barston.
Ivory Coast’s Conseil du Cafe-Cacao reported to have temporarily suspended cocoa exports
The Conseil du Cafe Cacao has temporarily suspended export of cocoa supplies throughout the remainder of June in response to ongoing key issues surrounding crop deficits, according to local region reports, writes Neill Barston.
Fairtrade Foundation’s mission remains vital three decades on
While the Fairtrade Foundation laid the groundwork for the movement in the early 90s, it was a couple of years later in 1994 when the UK gained its first glimpse of Fairtrade chocolate, which made notable national and international headlines.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Alliance for Fair Sugar Policy welcomes latest US Farm Bill
The Alliance for Fair Sugar Policy has welcomed the latest US Farm Bill that has been put forward by Chairman Thompson, which has set out America’s forward policy on key agricultural issues, writes Neill Barston.
World Cocoa Conference 2024 review
Editor Neill Barston speaks to leading cocoa sector representatives at this year’s World Cocoa Conference, including Antonie Fountain of the Voice Network, Sylvestre Owono, of Puratos and Michel Arrion, executive director of the ICCO organisation.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
World Cocoa Conference reception sets scene for key sector event
A strong sense of anticipation gathered surrounding the opening reception for the fifth edition of the World Cocoa Conference, as it places the quest to raise farmer pay firmly in the spotlight, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Rainforest Alliance places farmer pay and EUDR legislation as key World Cocoa Conference topics
The Rainforest Alliance organisation is set to make a notable appearance at the World Cocoa Conference opening this weekend, placing farmer’s living income, EUDR regulations and regenerative agriculture as key issues for action to deliver on sustainability goals, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Regulatory, Sustainability
Ghana farmer video highlights plight of cocoa workers facing climate and financial challenges
An impactful new video produced by the recently-launched African Cocoa Marketplace (ACM) industry support services venture has revealed the plight of cocoa farmers in West Africa who are continuing to struggle in growing enough beans to earn a living amid major economic and climate-based challenges.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability
Barry Callebaut unveils Future Farming Initiative with Ecuador high-tech venture
An ambitious move from the Barry Callebaut Group has seen it unveil plans for a Future Farming Initiative (FFI), based upon an initial pilot project in Ecuador, aimed at creating scaleable, high-tech, sustainable cocoa supplies for the global market, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Food safety, Processing, Regulatory, Sustainability
Guest blog: Major sector tests set to be unravelled at the World Cocoa Conference
With the World Cocoa Conference set to begin this weekend in Brussels, Belgium, Frank Joosten, Programme Director, Cocoa, at the IDH sustainable trade initiative, offers his view on some of the most pressing challenges facing the sector
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, New products, Sustainability
Puratos’s Belcolade Cacao-Trace on track to support cocoa farming community support goals
Puratos’s premium Belgian chocolate brand, Belcolade, has unveiled its latest annual report of its Cacao-Trace cocoa sector initiative, which has revealed it remains on track to reach its goal of up to 50,000 farmers around the world achieve a living income, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Regulatory, Sustainability
Olam Group annual revenues reduced amid challenging global conditions
Singapore-based agri-business, Olam, has reported its latest annual results, with wider market turbulence resulting in revenues declining 12.1% to $48,3 billion, despite a stronger second half of 2023 for the group, writes Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Sustainability
Exclusive: World Cocoa Conference places core focus on improving farmer income
A major focus on delivering a living income for farmers will form the central theme for this year’s World Cocoa Conference, which is set to take place in Brussels, returning after a pandemic-impacted six year break, reports Neill Barston.
Business news, Cocoa & chocolate, Ingredients, Processing, Sustainability
Fairtrade Foundation unveils breakthrough CMA initiative to drive retailer sustainability
Fairtrade Foundation has delivered what is believed to be a first of its kind initiative in driving business sustainability through the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA’s) new open-door policy for green agreements between companies, reports Neill Barston.