Voice Network calls on global confectionery sector to engage with cocoa supply contracts

Cocoa industry NGO, the Voice Network, has called on major confectionery groups to engage with purchase crops for the latest season, amid farmers expressing concern over slow take-up from global buyers facing higher overall market prices, writes Neill Barston. The organisation has asserted that the sector has displayed ‘double standards’ amid reports of major companies attempting to drive down cocoa prices, while previously stating that they could not influence prices upwards during significant previous periods of low prices that negatively impacted farming communities. In response, the Ghana Ivory Coast Cocoa Initiative (CIGCI) has confirmed that it does not intend to lower its differential premiums for the industry, believing that standing firm on prices is a core pillar of delivering a living income for those working within the cocoa sector – many of whom have been earning below UN-defined poverty levels. While there has been recent movement in higher pay announced by both ...