> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://cocoaradar.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Chocoa 2027 Puts Cocoa’s Financing Gaps at the Centre of Conference Programme - URL: https://cocoaradar.com/chocoa-2027-puts-cocoas-financing-gaps-at-the-centre-of-conference-programme/ - Published: 2026-11-09T13:43:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-09T13:42:59.000Z - Description: EXCLUSIVE: Farmer finance, production uncertainty and investment in producing countries will lead discussions in Amsterdam as Chocoa’s 15th edition examines how to finance the sector’s future. CocoaRadar will be the official media partner - Author: Anthony Myers - Tags: Chocoa 2027 How can cocoa farmers, their organisations and local businesses secure the finance needed to build more resilient livelihoods and enterprises? That question will be central to the [Chocoa Conference on 25–26 February 2027 at the Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam.](https://www.chocoa.nl/event/conference?ref=cocoaradar.com) Under the theme **Financing the Future of Cocoa**, the two-day programme will examine the sector’s changing economics, gaps in access to funding and the role of public and private investment in cocoa-producing countries. The organisers have framed the agenda around financial pressures facing farmers and businesses, alongside investment needs in climate resilience, essential services and local processing. Discussions will bring together farmer representatives, cocoa and chocolate businesses, policymakers, financial institutions, researchers and civil society organisations. The conference forms part of Amsterdam Cocoa Week, which runs from 22–28 February 2027. ### From Market Uncertainty to Farmer Finance Three plenary panels will anchor the first day, moving from the wider economics of cocoa to the financing challenges facing producers and local entrepreneurs. The opening session will examine how changing demand, cocoa prices, production uncertainty and industry responses are reshaping the sector. The organisers plan to assess supply and demand trends, the effects of El Niño and relevant financial developments. The second panel will turn to gaps in finance for farmers, their organisations and local businesses. Drawing on perspectives from producing countries, it will explore ways to ease financial pressures and distribute risks and value more evenly across the cocoa chain. A third panel will consider blended finance: how combinations of public and private investment can benefit cocoa-growing households, local enterprises and producing countries. The discussion will examine both opportunities and barriers to making those investments effective. ### Turning Finance Into Practical Investment The second day will move into six interactive breakout sessions, followed by a closing plenary. Shortlisted topics include the implications of new legislation; the potential of artificial intelligence and better data to address financing gaps and reduce costs; and investment in landscape resilience. Other sessions will examine financing for professional labour and service groups, community investment and the empowerment of women and young people, and local value addition. The programme is designed to give contributors and participants space to explore these issues in greater depth, with expert moderators guiding each discussion. A closing panel will bring sector leaders and authorities together to consider the steps needed across the industry. - **The**[ **Chocoa Conference programme**](https://www.chocoa.nl/event/conference?ref=cocoaradar.com) **provides further details of the proposed sessions.** ## November Webinar Offers an Early Programme Preview Media Partner: CocoaRadar Ahead of the conference, a special webinar on **17 November 2026 at 4:00 PM CET (3:00 PM UK time)** will offer an early look at the programme with the team developing it. CocoaRadar editor-in-chief **Anthony Myers** will be joined by Chocoa co-founders **Jack Steijn** and **Caroline Lubbers**; **Mariana De La Rosa**, co-founder and member of the festival and management team; and **Anna Laven**, creative and programme director. The discussion will preview the conference agenda and the questions behind its financing theme, giving prospective delegates an opportunity to hear directly from the organisers. CocoaRadar returns as **Official Media Partner of the Chocoa Conference**, continuing its coverage of the event. Reporting from the previous edition is available in the[ Chocoa 2026 archive](https://cocoaradar.com/tag/chocoa-2026/). --- ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/e5/42e56cb4-2135-4886-b7a8-860153b64965/content/images/2026/11/Screenshot-2026-11-09-at-11.27.54.png) ### **Join the programme preview: 17 November, 4:00 PM CET / 3:00 PM UK.** [REGISTER HERE FOR THE FREE WEBINAR](https://webinarchocoa15years.grwebsite.nl/?ref=cocoaradar.com) --- ### A Week Connecting the Cocoa Sector The conference sits within a wider week of business, learning and public events. Farmers’ Day opens the programme on 22 February, followed by educational sessions on 23 February. These include *Cacao Finance Unlocked 2027* and the *European Markets Academy*, covering financial knowledge and European market requirements. The Trade Fair runs from 24–26 February, overlapping with both conference days. The Chocolate Festival follows on 27–28 February, closing the week with chocolate tasting and discovery for consumers.