By the European Cocoa Association (ECA)
This year also marks a milestone for the European Cocoa Association (ECA), which celebrates 25 years of fostering collaboration and dialogue across the cocoa value chain.
What better time to reflect on the journey so far—and chart a course for the future?
A Forum to Shape the Future
From 16 to 18 September, industry leaders will gather in Malta for the 9th European Cocoa Forum, a flagship event hosted by the ECA. The Forum will take stock of the sector’s evolution over the past quarter century and ask critical questions:
- How can we transform cocoa production to meet future sustainability needs?
- What does regulatory preparedness look like in a rapidly evolving policy environment?
- And what tools are needed to help the sector remain resilient and competitive?
The Forum will unite stakeholders from producing and consuming countries, international institutions, and academia, fostering rich debate on the future of cocoa.
Transforming Cocoa Farming for a Changing Landscape
The sustainability of cocoa farming is under mounting pressure. In 2025, the sector faces a growing set of existential threats—from the impacts of climate change to the spread of pests and diseases like Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus (CSSV).
Solutions such as agroforestry, integrated pest management, and research into resilient cocoa varieties are essential. Yet, transformation will depend most on one factor: farmers.
Empowering cocoa farmers with the right knowledge, training, and resources is the cornerstone of long-term sustainability. And this transformation requires multi-stakeholder collaboration—bringing together the private sector, NGOs, civil society, and governments to create change on the ground.
Navigating a New EU Regulatory Landscape
The European Union is rewriting the rules of the game for agricultural imports—and cocoa is no exception.
From stricter food safety rules to the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), compliance with new standards will require cocoa actors to rethink sourcing, traceability, and transparency.
At the ECA, we are supporting the sector’s transition through practical tools like our EUDR Due Diligence Protocol, helping members navigate requirements while maintaining business continuity. By championing a sector-wide approach to compliance, the ECA ensures the cocoa industry is equipped to meet both regulatory obligations and societal expectations.
Leveraging Data as a Strategic Asset
Traceability requirements under the EUDR—and broader due diligence legislation such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)—are placing unprecedented emphasis on the role of data.
Yet, the value of data goes far beyond compliance. Harnessed effectively, it can provide market intelligence, improve production planning, strengthen risk management, and enhance consumer trust.
What’s more, shared data platforms can enable real-time collaboration between stakeholders across the cocoa chain—transforming silos into ecosystems.
Anthony Myers
25 Years of Driving Sector Dialogue
Since its founding, the ECA has positioned itself as the trusted voice of Europe’s cocoa industry, building bridges between policy makers and business leaders, and driving forward collective solutions.
Looking to the future, our mission remains unchanged: To foster collaboration, empower innovation, and build a resilient and inclusive cocoa sector—together.
As we celebrate 25 years of shared progress, we invite the entire cocoa community to join us in Malta this September, and continue shaping the next chapter of our sector’s journey.
For more information on the European Cocoa Forum 2025 in Malta, visit: https://www.eurococoa.com/forum-malta-2025/
© European Cocoa Association, 2025. All rights reserved.
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