Chocoa 24

Chocoa to highlight sustainability issues during the 2024 Amsterdam Cocoa & Chocolate Week

15-Nov-2023 - Last updated on 15-Nov-2023 at 13:26 GMT

Preparations are under way for Chocoa 24, which forms part of the Amsterdam Cocoa & Chocolate Week. Pic: Chocoa

The Dutch capital and largest cocoa port in the world is preparing to celebrate cocoa and chocolate during February by becoming an important hub for business and for innovative thinking on the sustainability of the cocoa value chains.

Registration has opened for Chocoa 2024, a unique two-day convergence of the Amsterdam Sustainable Cocoa Conference and The Chocolate Makers Forum, embedded in the Dutch capital’s Cocoa & Chocolate Week from 6 to 11 February.

Organisers Equipoise says the multi-event programme presents an exceptional opportunity to delve into the multifaceted world of cocoa and chocolate. Besides regular events such as the WINCC gathering, the multi-event programme offers additional knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities with some of the industry’s most influential organisations

The Chocoa conference takes place on 8-9 February and unites experts, advocates, and industry leaders to explore pivotal themes of sustainability, innovation, and livelihoods.

From rethinking pricing strategies, improving health in cocoa production, and navigating procurement complexities to fostering creativity and responding to the challenges posed by the new EU regulations, organisers say Chocoa 2024 “will lead the transformative discussions, ignite change, and shape the future of the cocoa and chocolate industry.”

WCF meeting

The week begins with The World Cocoa Foundation Partnership Meeting on the 6-7 February in the same venue as Chocoa, the Beurs van Berlage, with more details on this event to follow.

“These events bring together various stakeholders to address common challenges, share insights, and chart a path forward towards a future where cocoa production is environmentally conscious, socially responsible, and economically viable, while also promoting creativity and innovation within the industry,” a spokesperson for Equipoise told ConfectioneryNews.

The Chocolate Makers’ Forum

The Chocolate Makers’ Forum (CMF), taking place on Thursday and Friday, 8 and 9 February, is an important part of the week offering practical advice for brands to be seen in the marketplace. The programme for 2024 includes:

Opening session: Key learnings taking craft chocolate to the next level - Lessons from other sectors: Exploring lessons from successful sectors like wine and coffee to understand what can bring success to the craft chocolate industry.
8 Feb: CMF 1: Tools to Differentiate your product and make your business stand out: Strategies to distinguish craft chocolate brands from mainstream products through storytelling, quality, origin, and collaboration.
8 Feb: CMF 2: Cultivating a Unified Language for the Craft Chocolate Industry: Developing a shared vocabulary to accelerate the growth of the craft chocolate market, drawing inspiration from other aligned industries.
9 Feb: Chocolate TASTING Tasting is believing: The Chocolate Choice Award: Engaging in chocolate tasting sessions and a friendly competition to select the 'Chocoa’s Chocolate Choice Award 2024.'
9 Feb: CMF 1: Navigating EU Legislation: Key Compliance Priorities for the upcoming months: Discussing the impact of EU regulations on cocoa sustainability, ethical sourcing, and international trade, and how stakeholders can contribute to a more ethical cocoa industry.
9 Feb: CMF 2: Success Stories: The Intersection of Innovation and Creativity in Chocolate Business Models: Exploring innovative product concepts and sustainable business models while preserving tradition in the ever-evolving chocolate industry.

In the meantime, Chocoa has been running online sessions throughout the year, and the next one is scheduled for 6 December, 16.45-17.45 (CET), with the topic: Online Women in Cocoa & Chocolate (WINCC).

Women empowerment has a big impact on creating a sustainable cocoa industry. Hear experiences from the experts and from women in origin on where the industry is heading. In the context of the new EU regarding legislation the webinar will discuss the impact and latest developments.