Webinar: Practical tips for exporting cocoa to the European market
Europe is the world’s largest importer of cocoa beans and cocoa products. In this webinar, we will discuss the latest figures on European cocoa imports and market dynamics. What are the key markets for each product? How does cocoa flow into the European market?
Next, we will hear practical tips and solutions for producers and exporters from a European cocoa buyer. How are market dynamics changing, and how does this impact your business? What are European buyers looking for and what do they find important? How can you set up long-term relationships with importers that are sustainable and mutually beneficial?
Lastly, we will hear the farmer and exporter perspective. Based on her experience working with cocoa suppliers in Africa and international buyers to facilitate trade, Dr. Kristy Leissle will offer exporters practical guidance on what it takes to move from first contact to a signed contract with a European cocoa buyer, and where that process most often breaks down.
For whom?
This webinar is for entrepreneurs and business support organisations active in the cocoa sector and interested in exporting to the European market.
Agenda
| 15:00 – 15:10 | Introduction |
| 15:10 – 15:20 | What does the European market for cocoa look like? |
| 15:20 – 15:40 | What are European buyers looking for? |
| 15:40 - 16:00 | What does it take to find buyers? |
| 16:00 – 16:15 | Questions & answers session |
| 16:15 – 16:20 | Closure |
Presenters
Hans Mensah, Programme Manager Market Intelligence at CBI, will host this webinar. Presenters include:
Ruben Bergsma, market researcher at CBI
Ruben Bergsma is a cocoa sustainability expert. He is part of CBI's research team for the cocoa sector. Ruben has over 15 years of experience in cocoa, sustainability and supply chains. He also led the Rainforest Alliance's cocoa programme. Ruben has worked with the world's largest cocoa and chocolate companies. Now, he works on addressing sustainability issues in cocoa. For this, he works with industry, civil society and government organisations with a focus on cocoa and coffee.
Dr. Kristy Leissle
Dr. Kristy Leissle is Founder & CEO of African Cocoa Marketplace, Inc., a digital marketplace that connects African cocoa producers and exporters with international buyers through independent verification, transparent sourcing data, and trade facilitation. She is also Co-Founder, with Bill Guyton, of Specialty Cocoa & Chocolate Associates and serves as Curriculum Director for the Cocoa Masterclass, a professional education series by Cacao Latitudes.
Previously, Kristy worked as Cocoa Marketer for Twin & Twin Trading, where she marketed specialty cocoa from Africa to European buyers. An internationally recognized expert on the cocoa and chocolate industries, she has spent more than twenty years researching and writing about African cocoa supply chains, and working directly with producers and exporters to help them access international markets. She is the author of the book Cocoa, and the series "I am a cocoa farmer" for ConfectioneryNews. Dr. Leissle holds degrees from Oxford University, the University of Washington, and Boston College. She lives in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.
Other presenters will be announced at a later date.
Register
Join us for this webinar on 5 November 2026 at 15:00 – 16:30 CET.
More information
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