Stakeholders renew drive for future of cocoa industry
STAKEHOLDERS in the Cocoa industry have reiterated their resolve to drive positive transformations within the industry.
Rising from the International Cocoa and Chocolate Forum ( ICCF), recently, the stakeholders described the meet as not just a forum, but a catalyst for change.
The forum was built around 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.”
Organised by the International Cocoa Diplomacy ( ICD), the conference served as a platform for the scholarly exchange of ideas, addressing the pressing challenges faced by the cocoa industry and paving the way towards a more sustainable future.
Presenting the topic 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 labor.
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.
The event’s central theme revolved around redefining the role of key stakeholders along the cocoa value chain and shifting focus towards investment rather than purely social responsibility for a positive social impact.
A pivotal question posed was whether achieving value addition in cocoa production regions was an achievable reality or a mere myth.