Webinar: Opportunities and requirements for exporting organic cocoa to the European market
Europe presents a promising market for organic cocoa, with total imports of organic cocoa beans reaching 56,000 tonnes in 2023. In this webinar, we will delve deeper into the European market for cocoa. We will explore how organic cocoa is introduced into the European market, identify potential buyers, examine the trade channels utilized, and discuss how to determine the best trade channels for your business.
European buyers require their suppliers to adhere to specific legislative standards. We will clarify these standards, discuss how both buyers and suppliers navigate these challenges, and consider the implications for other suppliers in the market.
For whom?
This webinar is designed for entrepreneurs and business support organisations active in the cocoa sector and interested in exporting to the European market.
Agenda
16:30 – 16:40: Introduction to CBI and its support to the cocoa sector (Hans Mensah)
16:40 – 17:00: What does the market for organic cocoa look like?
17:00 – 17:15: What are the buyer preferences when sourcing organic cocoa?
17:15 - 17:30: How to prepare for the EU 2018/848 organic regulation?
17:30 – 17:45: Questions & Answers
17:45 – 18:00: Closure
Presenters
Hans Mensah, Programme Manager Market Intelligence at CBI, will host this webinar. Presenters include:
Tjalling de Boer, market researcher at CBI
Tjalling de Boer (Msc.) is a market researcher and moderator for this webinar. He studied psychology and business administration in the Netherlands and has been active involved in research for over 15 years. Since 2023, Tjalling has been leading the research team on the cocoa and coffee sectors on behalf of CBI. Besides his work for CBI, he has primarly conducted research for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), municipalities and semi-governmental organisations. Besides his research activities, Tjalling teaches research methodology and statistics at two Dutch universities. He has been director of Contenza since 2017.
Ruben Bergsma, cocoa sustainability expert at CBI
Ruben Bergsma is a cocoa and sustainability expert and a member of CBI's research team focused on the cocoa sector. Ruben has over 12 years of experience in cocoa, sustainability and supply chains. Previously he led the Rainforest Alliance's cocoa program and has collaborated with the world's largest cocoa and chocolate companies. Currently he is addressing sustainability issues in cocoa by working with industry stakeholders, civil society and government organisations, with a significant with a major emphasis on the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
Andreas Kratz, Director of Global Products, Programs and Policy, Director Standards&Pricing at Fairtrade International
Andreas’ work focuses on developing Fairtrade product and thematic strategies, and Fairtrade standards supporting those strategies. Ultimately, these strategies and standards are a means to credible delivery of Fairtrade’s desired impacts on improving the lives of farmers and workers. Currently the programs encompass sustainable livelihoods, worker’s rights, and climate change. The mandate of Andreas includes also development of innovative business models, partnerships for collaboration and policies supporting Fairtrade’s global advocacy work. Prior to joining Fairtrade in 2005 Andreas was working 15 years in the organic certification sector and 5 years in organic wholesaling business. He has experience with building operating systems connected to regulatory bodies and to like-minded businesses. By education Andreas is agronomist with focus on environmental and developmental issues.
Register
Join us for this webinar on 22 May 2025 at 16:30 – 18:00 CEST.
More information
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