The global cocoa sector is set to convene in Brussels from 22 to 24 April for an international summit focusing on the primary raw material for chocolate.
Over 1,000 professionals from around the world are anticipated, tasked with exploring solutions to ensure the sustainability of the industry. The fifth World Cocoa Conference aims to unite the key players in cocoa’s value chain, including government representatives, cocoa farmers, cooperatives, exporters, traders and retailers. The event will address the economic, social and environmental challenges currently facing the sector.
“Sustainable cocoa at a higher price” is the conference theme. Participants will discuss topics such as farmer income and livelihoods, agricultural models, human rights issues, environmental concerns and market prospects.
Cocoa pricing will be the central focus of discussions, particularly as the market price recently set a new high over $10,700 per tonne in New York’s futures market.
Representing Belgium, the sector federation Choprabisco will attend these “Olympics of the cocoa world” to “reaffirm the global reputation” of Belgian chocolate. Aiming to lead by example, the Belgian chocolate sector is committed to promoting a more sustainable and equitable market.
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Chocolate generates a turnover of €6.1 billion in Belgium. With an annual export of around 668,000 tonnes, the country ranks second only to Germany.
The conference will be officially opened on Monday 22 April by Queen Mathilde, in her capacity as ambassador for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The previous international cocoa conference was held in Berlin in 2018.
