European Cocoa Association

La industria del cacao: un eje estratégico para el desarrollo y la conservación ambiental. El cacao ecuatoriano, cultivado mayoritariamente por pequeños productores que representan el 98% de la producción nacional, es un pilar clave para el desarrollo productivo del país. Este sector no solo dinamiza las economías locales, sino que también desempeña un papel esencial en la preservación de los ecosistemas y la calidad de vida de miles de familias rurales. En el marco del Reglamento Europeo contra la Deforestación, se desarrolló un taller técnico dirigido a pequeños productores y exportadores. Este espacio brindó herramientas prácticas y conocimientos especializados para fomentar cadenas de valor sostenibles, garantizando el acceso a mercados internacionales que exigen altos estándares de responsabilidad ambiental y social. El esfuerzo, liderado por el Banco Mundial en colaboración con la European Cocoa Association (ECA), la Coalición Cacao, el Ministerio de Producción, Comercio Exterior, Inversiones y Pesca, ANECACAO y el proyecto SAFE de GIZ, destaca la importancia de integrar la sostenibilidad en el desarrollo productivo. Esta integración fortalece la competitividad de la industria, impulsa el desarrollo socioeconómico y refuerza la conservación de recursos naturales. Desde el Banco Mundial, reafirmamos nuestro compromiso con un futuro verde para #Ecuador, integrando la producción sostenible y la conservación ambiental como pilares del desarrollo y bienestar de las comunidades. _______________________________________________________________ The Cocoa Industry: A Strategic Driver for Development and Environmental Conservation. Ecuadorian cocoa, mostly grown by small farmers who make up 98% of national production, is a key pillar for the country’s productive development. This sector not only boosts local economies but also plays an essential role in preserving ecosystems and improving the quality of life for thousands of rural families. As part of the European Union Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products, a technical workshop was held for small farmers and exporters. This workshop provided practical tools and specialized knowledge to promote sustainable value chains, ensuring access to international markets that require high environmental and social responsibility standards. The initiative, led by the World Bank in collaboration with the European Cocoa Association, the Cocoa Coalition, the Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, Investments and Fisheries, ANECACAO Ecuador, and GIZ Ecuador, highlights the importance of integrating sustainability into productive development. This approach strengthens the cocoa industry’s competitiveness, drives socioeconomic growth, and supports the conservation of natural resources. At The World Bank, we reaffirm our commitment to a green future for Ecuador, making sustainable production and environmental conservation pillars of development and community well-being.

Over the past 1,5 weeks I had the great pleasure of representing the European Cocoa Association in Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia in a mission organised by The World Bank Group. In meetings and workshops, I outlined the ECA's approach to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) through the protocol we developed with our members. I was impressed by the various actions being developed and implemented by government actors and private sector alike. The EUDR requires a collaborative approach that includes the private sector, and delivers on traceability and legality ensuring that our great products do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation. The complexity of meeting the EUDR's requirements needs the private sector and national governments working together. I am looking forward to continuing the collaboration on this important and consequential legislation. Special thanks go out to Roberto Echandi, Guillermo Arenas and Melvin Spreij for organising this valuable mission, as well as to the great representatives from Ministerio de Agricultura y Riego - MINAGRI, Ministerio de Comercio Exterior y Turismo, ADEX Escuela, Ministerio de Producción, Comercio Exterior, Inversiones y Pesca, ANECACAO Ecuador, PROCOLOMBIA, Federación Nacional de Cacaoteros Fedecacao, Ministerio de Comercio, Industria y Turismo and Ministerio de Agricultura y Desarrollo Rural.

The International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) is hiring an economist to join its team in Abidjan. Apply by the 31st of December to not miss out on this great opportunity:

We are hiring! ECA is looking for a dynamic EU Food Safety & Quality Manager for a full-time one-year contract with the possibility for renewal. To apply, check the job ad below. Looking forward to hearing from you by the 30th of June! hashtag #hiring #job #foodsafety #cocoa #brusselsjobs

⚕️ 🥬 Explore the effects of food safety regulations on vulnerable populations. Engage in the discussion at PANEL 8: "Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures" during the next #WorldCocoaConference!🍫 As #foodsafety measures are introduced to combat health hazards, stakeholders face challenges adapting to these changes. Let’s delve into the strategies to minimize trade diversion risks with our lead panellist Marc Joncheere (Cargill) and an expert panel including representatives from DG SANTE (EC), Syed Mustaq Kader (MASK Associates), Hemant Bangur (Gloster Jute), Patricio Almeida (AGROCALIDAD) and Catherine Entzminger (European Cocoa Association) 📅 Don’t miss out on this critical dialogue - be part of shaping the future of food safety in the cocoa industry. 🔴 Registration closes next Friday, April 5th. Register now! 👉 https://buff.ly/3Ve3YbD 🔴 #FoodSafety #CocoaBrussels2024 International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) Ministry of Foreign Affairs Belgium Leanne de Bassompierre