Cocoa is essential to the livelihoods of 40 to 50 million people worldwide, including more than 5 million smallholder cocoa farmers who grow this valuable crop. According to the World Cocoa Foundation, it has been an important ingredient in global cultures and history, evolving over the years, and continues to be enjoyed today in thousands of different forms.
The chocolate supply chain is characterized by global geographical boundaries. The agricultural production is based on smallholdings and intensive farming: according to the World Cocoa Foundation, 80 to 90 percent of cocoa production comes from small, familyrun farms, typically 2 to 4 hectares (5 to 10 acres). The production is located in tropical areas of Africa (73 percent of total production), Asia (13 percent of total production), and Americas (13 percent of total production). Once cocoa beans are harvested, fermented, and dried, they are exported to major chocolate producer countries located in the temperate band, like Europe and Northern America.
Chocothon is a sustainable innovation initiative that aims to empower and connect cocoa farmers, creating new opportunities for them and other value chain stakeholders in cocoa production. It has been conceived and presented by the Google Food Lab, Future Food Institute, the Trade for Sustainable Development, and the Business School Lausanne. Its first event was held in January 2017 in Accra, Ghana…
Read the complete article on the official website of Food Tank following THIS LINK and don’t forget to be part of Chocothon DC. Applications are open HERE
