Adding Value to Cocoa in Producing Countries | #PodSaveChocolate
Episode 13 of #PodSaveChocolate features an in-depth exploration of issues of adding value to cocoa in producing countries.
When and Where to Watch
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Link to watch and comment from my LinkedIn profile.
Link to watch and comment on TheChocolateLife page on Facebook.
Episode 13 Overview
In the previous episode, I presented an overview of my recent trip to Nigeria for ICD’s International Cocoa and Chocolate Forum where the theme was “Putting Value in Cocoa.”
For all of recorded history, the primary emphasis on the consumption of cacao – when it was not being used as a form of currency– was on the oxidized beans. When many (most?) people think of adding value to cocoa in producing countries the first thought is derivatives – nibs, liquor, butter, and powder.
The question is: why?
This episode will feature an exploration of what it means to “forget what boxes are” when it comes to thinking about ways to add value to cacao with a focus on value addition in producing countries in ways that may also benefit farmers, not just investors. If time permits, the discussion may veer into how this could affect government policy.
Topics Discussed
- Conventional derivatives
- Pods, leaves, and wood
- Pulp & Juice; alternatives that do not require maintaining a cold chain
- Finished products other than chocolate
- Consumables
- Equipment
- Encourage and support micro-entrepreneurship (side-hustles) as a way to attract and keep younger farmers.
- The role of government policy
- Living Income – the solutions need to encompass food security, water security, energy security, transportation security, access to education, access to health care, employment security, etc.
Items seen in Trinidad during the World Chocolate Day festival in 2019.
Want to Participate?
Those who tune in live can ask questions in the comments on LinkedIn and Facebook or in the Live Chat on YouTube. ChocolateLife members can join in the discussion before and after in the comments below.
Links and Other Resources
Links to resources discussed in the episode will be added after.
Episode Hashtags
#ICD #ICCF #Nigeria #CRIN
#ValueAdd #AddedValue
#cocoa #cacao #cacau
#chocolate #chocolat
#PodSaveChocolate #PodSaveChoc #PSC
#LaVidaCocoa #TheChocolateLife
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Clay Gordon