All news

The assessment carried out in September 2023 shows no pesticide cases in PRONATEC's organic cocoa butter, mass and powders. Pic: PRONATEC

Production

PRONATEC reports a clean bill of health for its organic cocoa beans

By Anthony Myers

The family-owned company has been processing cocoa beans into cocoa mass, butter, and powder at its own exclusively organic plant in Winterthur, Switzerland, since June 2022 and says an assessment carried out this month shows there have been no pesticide...

A Brazilian court has found 'unlawful' working conditions in Cargill's cocoa supply chain. Pic: Cargill

Sustainabilty

Cargill accused of child labour practices on Brazilian cocoa farms

By Anthony Myers

Cargill, one of the world’s largest cocoa suppliers, has been ordered by a Brazilian court to pay 600,000 reais ($120,185) as indemnity for allegedly buying cocoa from farms where child labour or forced work has been identified.

Caramel is making a splash in chocolate this season. Pic: GettyImages

Special edition: Flavour inspiration

The flavour trends redefining chocolate indulgence

By Anthony Myers

Luker Chocolate, a premium and sustainable brand from Colombia, has also been at the forefront of introducing new flavours to chocolate bars over the past couple of years, and the company has gathered valuable insights from recent trade fairs ExpoWest...

A Colombian cocoa farmer peacefully tends to his crop. Pic: Luker Chocolate

Guest post

How cocoa is driving peace in Colombia

By Julia Ocampo

In the rugged landscapes of rural Colombia, where conflict and adversity have cast a shadow for over 50 years, an unlikely hero has emerged: cocoa. Beyond its delectable taste and aroma, cocoa is proving to be a powerful force for driving peace and prosperity...

The company also said it is also battling a volatile environment in its European market. Pic: Mondelēz International

Financial results

Mondelēz to up Cocoa Life investment on back of strong Q3 results

By Anthony Myers

Mondelēz International has announced net revenues grew 8.1% year-on-year in the third quarter this year, driven by stronger pricing and volume. The Chicago-headquartered company also raised its full-year results forecasts and announced more price hikes...

Pic:getty/acilo

Tequila threats - and agave alternatives

By Rachel Arthur

Could agave shortages and rising production costs stop the trending drinks in its tracks? The good news is that agave alternatives are ready to step in and fill the gap.

Chocolate dream: A new initiative from HAPPi and Luker Chocolate aims to nurture children in sustainable cocoa practices. Pic: Luker Chocolate

Sustainability

HAPPi invests in future cocoa change-makers with Luker Chocolate

By Anthony Myers

Oat m!lk chocolate brand, HAPPi, is teaming up with Luker Chocolate to create Kids for Nature, an exciting new project that aims to protect the remarkable wildlife of Colombia by educating the next generation to become guardians of their ecosystem.

The new factory. Pic: Nestle

Nestlé opens $340m coffee factory in Mexico

By Rachel Arthur

Nestlé has opened a new Nescafé coffee factory in Veracruz: creating 1,200 new jobs and making Mexico the company’s main coffee producer globally.

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...