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ECA — European Cocoa Forum

ECA Forum Sends Positive Signal to Cocoa Industry, Offering Credible Solutions to Longstanding Challenges

Marking its 25th anniversary, this year’s European Cocoa Association (ECA) Forum closed on a note of optimism, emphasising unity, respect, and practical collaboration

,   and  Anthony Myers
3 min read
Image shows sunset over Malta
As the sun sets on the ECA Forum in Malta, there were plenty of takeaways for the cocoa industry to reflect on. Image: CocoaRadar
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This article was prepared under the Chatham House Rule. CocoaRadar has adhered to the Rule for all reporting from the Forum’s sessions - where individuals are mentioned, it is with their express permission

Against the backdrop of Malta’s Mediterranean setting, the message was clear: the industry has both the will and the tools to address its most pressing challenges

A Call for Unity and Trust

In his closing address, European Cocoa Association (ECA) President Christian Vollers outlined three aspirations for the cocoa sector:

  1. Wish: Keep the ECA open, engaging, professional, and balanced - an organisation that reflects all perspectives.
  2. Hope: Ensure farmers have the power to say no to unfairly low prices, mirroring Vietnamese farmers who can hold back sales until market conditions improve.
  3. Dream: Build a high-trust ecosystem across the cocoa value chain, where collaboration and transparency replace suspicion and fragmentation.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, Vollers urged delegates to “be the change you want to see in the world,” as they returned to their offices after what many described as one of the most successful and informative Forums in years.

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