Under the established Chocoa brand, now in its 13th year, the event will bring together top-level management from the cocoa and chocolate industry, purchasing and sustainability officials, ministers and ambassadors from cocoa-producing countries, cocoa authorities, farmers, service providers, NGOs, and other key actors from the cocoa supply chain.
In the historic and intimate setting of the beautiful Beurs van Berlage in the Dutch capital, crucial topics will be discussed, including efforts to de-commoditize cocoa, the ongoing EUDR saga, cocoa farmer welfare and income, carbon finance, and future-proofing cocoa and chocolate.
Also on the agenda is the impact of pricing on quality—will cocoa farmers still pay attention to post-harvest practices if they receive a high price for standard cocoa?
Organisers Equipoise told cocoaradar.com: "At the Amsterdam Sustainable Cocoa Conference, we’ll discuss the latest price, production trends, and projections for the year ahead. Together, we’ll explore what structural changes are needed to provide cocoa-producing families with a sustainable future. We give the floor to retailers and farmers, and look into the potential of non-competitive approaches and disruptive technologies for change."
Amsterdam Cocoa Week
A Financial Course for Farmer Organisations and Cocoa Start-ups will also run from 4-5 February. A vital new addition to Chocoa, this course is designed to empower cocoa farmers and start-ups with essential financial knowledge, covering topics such as capital raising, risk management, and business pitching.
The wider Chocoa series of events runs from 3 to 9 February, forming the second annual Amsterdam Cocoa Week. This year’s event holds special significance as it coincides with Amsterdam's 750th anniversary, making the Dutch capital the epicenter of global discussions on cocoa sustainability. The Port of Amsterdam is also the world's largest import port for cocoa beans.
Chocolate Makers' Forum
Other headline events during Amsterdam Cocoa Week include the Chocolate Makers' Forum (6-7 February), an annual gathering where chocolate makers discuss the latest industry trends and challenges and share knowledge and strategies for market development.
The Forum will also discuss the relationship between cocoa and tourism. According to Equipoise, "agrotourism is developing well in some countries, and the tourist market is a good outlet for high-quality cocoa in some cocoa-producing countries."
Also included is the Chocoa Chocolade Festival (8-9 February), a weekend celebration where approximately 8,000 chocolate enthusiasts will gather at Beurs van Berlage. The festival will feature global exhibitors' tastings, entertainment, and booths, allowing consumers to explore and purchase diverse cocoa products.
- For updates, registration, and exhibitor information, visit the official Chcocoa website.