Chocovision 2016: “What matters most is the dignity of the farmer”

It brings together key stakeholders from around the world to discuss strategic topics, chances and challenges that are relevant for the whole chain of the global cocoa and chocolate business sector, as well as discussions started at Chocovision 2012 and 2014. Guest speakers at Chocovision 2016 included political leaders from cocoa growing countries including Ivory Coast, Ghana and Cameroon, plus industry representatives from The Hershey Company, Olam International, Mars, Metro Group, Tchibo, Ferrero, Firmenich International, Barry Callebaut and Bühler. Also participating were representatives of NGOs and various stakeholder groups including cocoa farmers from the world’s two largest producing countries, Ivory Coast and Ghana, together with experts along the cocoa value chain as well as young Millenials.

Highlights of this year’s conference included a speech by Lord Michael Hastings, Global Head of Corporate Citizenship at KPMG, who stated that “what matters most in the chocolate industry is not the delight of the consumer but the dignity of the farmer.” He gave the conference a clear direction when he pointed to “more purpose to alleviate poverty.” Lord Hastings said “Yes, it will cost our pockets much, and our profits more, but we will have done a noble thing.”

Sir Bob Geldof closed the sustainability session of Chocovision 2016 with words of encouragement: “I am thrilled that this is such a very different conference to (four years ago) that first hesitant step towards doing something together.” But he also reassured listeners: “There is no going back.” Geldof appealed to conference participants: ”You can move the needle for hundreds of thousands of people. It’s such a huge responsibility.”