Industry leaders examined cocoa supply, sustainability, regulation, technology and future consumer demand.
The Cocoa Association of Asia (CAA) held its International Cocoa Conference and Gala Dinner in Singapore, bringing industry leaders together to examine developments affecting cocoa supply, demand, sustainability, regulation and technology. Held over two days, the conference featured senior executives, farmers, policymakers and specialists discussing the challenges and opportunities facing the cocoa sector.
The conference opened with CAA Chairman Brandon Tay and Secretary-General Shirley R. signing a statement of support for the ASEAN One Billion Trees Growing Initiative. The statement was witnessed by Cindy Khoo, Managing Director of Enterprise Singapore; Errol Levy, Deputy Head of Mission of the EU Delegation to Singapore; and Dr Pham Quang Minh, Assistant Director of the Food, Agriculture and Forestry Division Sectoral Development Directorate at the ASEAN Economic Community Department.
The initiative focuses on ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture and forestry, and sustainable livelihoods in ASEAN. The opening programme was followed by a C-suite discussion involving leaders from GCB Cocoa, Barry Callebaut Group, ofi, JB Cocoa, Mondelēz International and Cargill, moderated by Professor Annie Koh of Singapore Management University.
Other sessions examined cocoa supply and demand, grindings, consumer preferences, European Union sustainability regulations, chocolate reformulation, green transition and artificial intelligence. Michelle Cui of ECOM Agroindustrial Corp. Ltd. highlighted the need to build a cocoa industry that is productive, resilient, sustainable and fair enough to support future generations.
Discussions on EU regulations focused on requirements covering deforestation, human rights risks, child and forced labour, and due diligence systems. Speakers also examined how cocoa producers and manufacturers could respond to changing regulatory requirements while maintaining market access.
Sustainability discussions considered no-deforestation commitments, agroforestry, traceability and carbon-credit tools, with attention to ensuring that benefits reach farmers. A further session explored the use of AI within the cocoa value chain, including potential applications from farming to trade.
The conference concluded with a gala dinner featuring chocolate desserts prepared using Barry Callebaut chocolate. Organisers thanked sponsors, partners, speakers and delegates for their participation, while Enterprise Singapore, the Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau and Marina Bay Sands were also recognised for their event support.
Source: Cocoa Association of Asia
