Cocoa Co-operatives: A Powerful Solution To A volatile Cocoa Market​ (Free Webinar)

Following the release of the Fairtrade Foundation’s substantive research on cocoa co-operatives, CocoaRadar is partnering with the organisation to host a timely and in-depth webinar: Cocoa Co-operatives: A Powerful Solution To A volatile Cocoa Market​.

Taking place on 20 April 2026 at 4pm CEST, this 75-minute session examines why co-operatives are increasingly central to resilient supply chains and how they are supporting stronger farmer livelihoods.

A Timely Webinar For Volatile Times

Cocoa farmers across West Africa are navigating an increasingly complex landscape. Prices surged to historic highs of $12,000 per tonne in 2024, only to fall below $6,000 by the end of 2025. At the same time, production has declined sharply due to climate pressures, ageing trees, and underinvestment.

Against this backdrop, co-operatives are emerging as a powerful solution.

The Fairtrade research highlights how co-operatives can improve farmer income through strengthening transparency and risk management and supporting social and environmental initiatives, for example.

With global demand for sustainable cocoa rising, the research also calls for deeper, long-term investment in these farmer-led organisations.

What to Expect

The webinar will feature insights from Sonndia Ouattara, Cocoa Lead at Fairtrade Africa, who will present key findings from the research and outline how co-operatives are driving measurable impact.

A panel of industry experts, including cocoa companies and cooperative management, will then share real-world perspectives on both the opportunities and challenges of investing in co-operatives:

• Djibo Breiman, Board President, COOPAZA Cooperative (Côte d’Ivoire)
• Representative from ECOOKIM union
• Olivier Zwolsman, Responsible Sourcing Manager, Ferrero
• Cheryl Pinto, Head of Values-Led Sourcing, Ben & Jerry’s

The session will be moderated by Anthony Myers, Editor-in-Chief and Founder of CocoaRadar.

Who Should Attend?

This webinar is essential for a wide range of stakeholders across the cocoa and chocolate value chain. It will be particularly valuable for sustainability and sourcing professionals within cocoa and chocolate companies, traders, and manufacturers seeking to build more resilient and responsible supply chains. Ultimately, anyone committed to improving farmer livelihoods, addressing systemic challenges in cocoa, and advancing a more sustainable and equitable industry will find this discussion both timely and actionable.

Collaboration Is Key

Investing in cooperatives is an important and cost effective route to living income and major brands – including Mars, Ferrero, and Tony’s Open Chain – demonstrate how long-term collaboration can improve farmer incomes, strengthen supply chains, and tackle systemic issues such as gender inequality and environmental degradation.

Notably, programmes like Ben & Jerry’s Living Income Accelerator have shown how trust and sustained engagement with co-operatives can drive adoption of productivity-enhancing practices, such as cocoa tree pruning.

Looking Ahead

Now, more than ever, the spotlight is firmly on co-operatives’ potential as an important and cost effective route to living income.

However, unlocking this potential requires continued commitment – from industry, governments, and development partners alike.

This webinar offers a unique opportunity to explore how that future can be built.