Preview: European Cocoa Association Forum 2025

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Cocoaradar.com – the forum’s official media partner – has published a series of articles over the past year outlining the Forum’s agenda, speakers and wider context. The following preview synthesises those reports to give readers and Forum attendees an informed look at what to expect when the industry gathers at the Radisson Blu Golden Sands on 16–18 September 2025

Why this Forum matters

A milestone anniversary – The 2025 edition will celebrate 25 years of the ECA, reflecting on the organisation’s growth from a small initiative to a powerful trade association that now represents around 90 % of EU cocoa bean grinding and 85 % of Europe’s industrial chocolate production.
ECA membership has increased from 33 to 58 companies during Director General Catherine Entzminger’s tenure, and the Forum is seen as the place where this network comes together to shape strategy.
Context of volatility and regulatory change – Historic price swings, crop diseases and weather shocks have buffeted the global cocoa sector. While prices have moderated from their late‑2024 peaks, they remain high and volatile. At the same time, the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and other legislation (Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence, Corporate Sustainability Reporting, new limits on heavy metals and pesticides) are rewriting the rules for cocoa trade. Many actors view the Forum as a critical moment to compare notes on compliance, traceability and supply‑chain integrity.
A platform for collaboration – As we have reported in our coverage so far, the Forum will convene stakeholders from producing and consuming countries, international institutions, academia, and industry. It aims to tackle questions such as how to transform cocoa farming for long-term sustainability, what regulatory preparedness entails, and what tools are needed to keep the sector resilient. The event also offers unmatched opportunities for networking and cross‑sector dialogue.

Agenda highlights

Cocoaradar’s reports note that the Forum’s programme has been designed around four broad themes: market dynamics, sustainability & climate, regulatory preparedness and innovation & research.

Market dynamics and price volatility

The Forum will open with a review of cocoa price evolution over the past 18 months, exploring how market dynamics and changing consumer behaviour have influenced demand for chocolate and confectionery. With cocoa prices still elevated and supply disrupted, the sessions will examine strategies for hedging price risk and improving market intelligence.

Sustainability, climate and farming resilience

Climate change, pests and diseases such as Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus threaten yields and farmer livelihoods. We have reported on the need for agroforestry, integrated pest management and the development of resilient cocoa varieties. At the Forum, panellists will discuss how to empower farmers with training and resources and how to scale these solutions through partnerships between the private sector, NGOs and government. Expectations are that speakers will highlight the role of Joint Cocoa Research Fund (JRF) projects in pollination, disease resistance and mitigating contaminants, with a dedicated JRF session scheduled for 18 September.

Regulatory preparedness and the EUDR

EUDR compliance is also a key part of the agenda. Cocoaradar’s interview with Catherine Entzminger details how the ECA has developed a due diligence protocol and is working closely with the European Commission and national authorities to clarify outstanding questions. She notes that the law’s scope should remain focused on countering deforestation and forest degradation. In another article, newly appointed ECA president Christian Vollers argues there is “no substantial reason to delay implementation” and that the sector should embrace the regulation as an opportunity to drive environmental accountability. Vollers will moderate a panel titled “The Power of Data as an Enabler of Progress”, exploring how interoperable data systems can transform compliance into a strategic asset.

Data, innovation and the digital future

Data and technology will feature prominently. Vollers stresses that data can be “gold or dust” – currently used more to criticise than collaborate. He calls for an industry‑wide data consortium with open standards, pointing out that artificial intelligence and real‑time traceability will only work if supply‑chain datasets are harmonised. Expect discussions on digital platforms, satellite monitoring and the role of AI in supporting farmer livelihoods and compliance.

Research, investment and the cocoa workforce

Beyond compliance, the Forum aims to rebuild trust and motivation in the cocoa sector. Vollers describes cocoa as “a big elephant” – each stakeholder sees a different part, but the industry must discuss the “whole animal”. This sentiment will underpin sessions on investment, risk management and workforce development. Entzminger highlights the ECA’s management of the Joint Cocoa Research Fund with CAOBISCO, which funds applied research on food safety, pest management and resilient cropping systems. Current projects include enhanced pollination, vascular streak dieback resistance and mitigation of aluminium contamination.

Who’s speaking

The Forum will feature a roster of senior leaders from across the cocoa value chain. Confirmed panellists include Alex Assanvo (Executive Secretary, Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative), Régis Babin (Cocoa & Coffee entomologist at CIRAD), Marie Baranger (Co‑founder, RISOME), Klaus Berend (Director, European Commission DG SANTE), Dora Correia (Director, DG TRADE), Clive de Ruig (President, ICE Benchmark Administration) and Peter Feld (CEO, Barry Callebaut). The line‑up also includes representatives from Aldi, ofi, ECOM Cocoa, ANECACAO, the Government of Malta, COLEAD and former Lindt & Sprüngli CEO Dieter Weisskopf. Newly elected ECA vice‑president Chris Beetge (ofi) and treasurer Guus de Gruiter (ECOM Cocoa) will take part, reflecting the association’s new leadership team.