International Cocoa And Chocolate Forum Advocate Positive Transformations
Stakeholders at the recently held International Cocoa and Chocolate Forum (ICCF), with a central theme – ‘The new EU policy, its effect on cocoa-producing regions, and the way forward for the global cocoa trade and industry that supports transformation with regards to the resilience of cocoa farmers’, have called for urgent positive transformations for a more sustainable future.
Organised by the International Cocoa Diplomacy (ICD), the conference served as a platform for the scholarly exchange of ideas as well as addressing the pressing challenges faced by the cocoa industry.
In his presentation on Good Agricultural Practices for Sustainable and Quality Cocoa Production, Dr. Oluseye Oludoye, his presentation was a highlight, shedding light on essential practices for the sustainable and high-quality production of cocoa.
Other speakers including Soji Sanyaolu, Patrick Adebola, Chantal Coady OBE, Lynn Lockwood, Carrie Pemberton Ford Ph.D., Lorna Marah, Lisette Davis, Gbolahan Peter Macjob, and Jules Achard, shared their expertise on topics.
The forum’s discourse explored critical issues, including – addressing global resource gaps; utilisation of technology/AI and incentivising new generation farmers; the role of media in bridging the gap between producing and consuming regions; and how to address social issues around slavery, human trafficking, child, and forced labour.
The stakeholders extended to examine the positive or lack of impact and effectiveness of sustainability labels, offering a critical assessment of investment opportunities within the global cocoa industry.
