With the EU’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) still slated to take effect on 30 December 2025, the cocoa industry remains on high alert. Yet amidst a flurry of lobbying and legal uncertainty, one industry leader is making a bold and unwavering call: no more delays.
Christian Vollers, of Bremen-based logistics powerhouse Vollers Group, is clear: “There is no substantial reason to delay implementation any further.”
In an exclusive interview with CocoaRadar, Vollers outlines his vision for a pragmatic and united industry—one rooted in data, trust, and above all, action.
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated ECA Forum in Malta (16–18 September), where CocoaRadar is the official media partner, he charts a path forward for the sector as it enters one of the most critical phases in its regulatory history.
‘The Idea of the EUDR Is Fantastic’
Vollers is not just a logistics expert—he’s also a hands-on stakeholder in the cocoa trade, overseeing commodity flows into one of the world’s most heavily regulated markets. For him, the EUDR isn’t an obstacle—it’s a natural evolution of environmental accountability. “We have a strong foundation in supporting the legislation. The idea of the EUDR is fantastic.
“The ECA has been involved in shaping this law for more than five years,” he explains. “We’ve had time to review it, iron out issues, and update the tracing systems. We’ve worked closely with the European Commission and member states to interpret the law robustly and constructively.”
And yet, with ongoing confusion at the national level—especially in how customs authorities will verify EUDR compliance—Vollers acknowledges that “the Dutch see things differently from the French, and we Germans will have our own interpretation too.”
Still, he’s confident that Germany, at least, will be ready.
‘Data Can Be Gold – Or Dust’
In Malta, as well as delivering the keynote, Vollers will moderate a panel titled “The Power of Data as an Enabler of Progress”—a fitting theme for a man who sees data not just as compliance fuel, but as the industry’s greatest untapped asset.
“Data can be gold or dust,” he says. “Right now in cocoa, it often feels more like dust—used to beat each other with sticks, rather than build consensus.”
His point? Data should enable—not obstruct—supply chain cooperation. Whether it’s traceability information from origin countries like Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, or Cameroon, or food safety metrics needed for EU entry, Vollers believes interoperability is the key.
“When the CCC in Ivory Coast produces harvest data, we need to be able to use that across the chain—from trader to processor to logistics operator. Right now, we don’t have that harmony.”
That gap, he argues, is what stifles progress—and ultimately discourages investment.
From AI to Accountability: The Data Dilemma
The stakes go well beyond spreadsheets. “If we want to do anything with artificial intelligence in cocoa, we need a data foundation,” Vollers says. “Without it, we send AI agents into a void.”
Vollers is calling for an industry-wide data consortium, with clear protocols, open standards, and mutual understanding. But he also issues a warning about interpretation: “Data can be biased. Governments change, policies shift, and suddenly the same dataset tells two different stories.”
That, he says, is where the cocoa sector must mature. “We must use data to drive smart, trust-based decisions—not political posturing.”
Rebuilding Trust in Cocoa
For Vollers, the Forum in Malta represents more than a conference—it’s a chance to rekindle belief in the sector. “These are tough times. Cocoa has faced crisis after crisis—whether in pricing, sustainability, or regulation.”
He wants the ECA’s 25th anniversary to be both a reflection and a renewal. “We need to rebuild our network. Rebuild trust. Because without trust, there’s no motivation—and without motivation, the industry loses its appetite for cocoa.”
The ECA Forum, which is almost sold out, is set to feature high-level speakers, technical deep dives, and a celebration of the ECA’s legacy. But, Vollers insists, it must also be fun.
Looking Ahead: The ‘Cocoa Elephant’ in the Room
Vollers ends with a metaphor: “Cocoa is like a big elephant. Everyone sees a different part—whether you’re a farmer in Cameroon or a policymaker in Brussels. But we have to talk about the whole animal.”
It’s that spirit of inclusivity, openness, and critical optimism—that Vollers hopes will define both the Forum and the EUDR era.
“We need open minds. We need good faith. And most importantly, we need to get on with it.”
- Malta ECA Forum | 16–18 September 2025
- Official media partner: CocoaRadar
- For more insights sign up for the newsletter, follow our coverage, and interviews at CocoaRadar.com
Anthony Myers