> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://thechocolatelife.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # July News & AMA | #PSC 216 - URL: https://thechocolatelife.com/july-news-ama-psc-216/ - Published: 2026-07-11T17:58:30.000Z - Updated: 2026-07-17T18:52:36.000Z - Description: OVERVIEW: Episode 216 of #PodSaveChocolate features chocolate and cocoa news fit to eat, as well as the monthly live AMA (Ask Me Anything about chocolate or cocoa) for July 2026. - Author: Clay Gordon - Tags: PodSaveChocolate, Live Stream 🗓️ Episode 216 streamed on Tuesday, July 14th, 2026\. Click a link below to view the archived episode. This ****YOUTUBE** link is shareable. [![CTA Image](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2025/11/ytlogo256x256.png)](https://youtube.com/live/r68k3Id%5FIrY?ref=thechocolatelife.com) Watch and comment LIVE or view the archived episode! Subscribe (free!) to the [@PodSaveChocolate YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@podsavechocolate/featured?ref=thechocolatelife.com), like this video, comment, and ****share** this episode to help grow the #PSC community. [Participate/Watch on YouTube ](https://youtube.com/live/r68k3Id%5FIrY?ref=thechocolatelife.com) This ****LINKEDIN** link is shareable. [![CTA Image](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2025/05/LinkedInLogo.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/claygordon%5Fpodsavechocolate-lavidacocoa-thechocolatelife-activity-7481765812236849152-u%5F0r?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop&rcm=ACoAAAABaLUB44l0lzyoZ9nf9Lg8nfstgzLqxbg) Watch and comment LIVE or view the archived episode on LinkedIn. Join my network on LinkedIn to receive notifications and to refer business to each other. [Participate/Watch on LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/claygordon%5Fpodsavechocolate-lavidacocoa-thechocolatelife-activity-7481765812236849152-u%5F0r?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop&rcm=ACoAAAABaLUB44l0lzyoZ9nf9Lg8nfstgzLqxbg) This ****FACEBOOK** link is shareable [![CTA Image](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2025/05/FacebookLogo.png)](https://www.facebook.com/share/1JE585niJM/) Watch and comment LIVE or view the archived episode on ****TheChocolateLife page** on Facebook (for 30 days, then watch the archive on YouTube). Follow [TheChocolateLife on Facebook ](https://fb.me/thechocolatelife?ref=thechocolatelife.com)to receive notifications and catch up on other content. [Participate/Watch on Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/share/1JE585niJM/) 🗓️ The ****July Member AMA** call is scheduled for Friday the 24th, beginning at 11:30 am PDT/MST following PodSaveChocolate. The link to participate can be found in the July member newsletter. [Share this post!](#/share) --- ## **Episode 216 Overview** In this episode: ***Chocolate News that’s Fit to Eat™*** for July 2026. 💡 People participating live can ****Ask Me Anything** *in the chat at any point during the episode.* (\*As long as it’s about chocolate or cocoa.) ### **The Ongoing Saga of the Cost of Cocoa** | **MARKETS** | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Barchart.com [Futures Prices](https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/CC%2A0/futures-prices?ref=thechocolatelife.com) / [Futures Overview](https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/CC%2A0/overview?ref=thechocolatelife.com) | | Trading Economics [Chart](https://tradingeconomics.com/commodity/cocoa?ref=thechocolatelife.com) | | TradingCharts.com [1977 Baseline](https://futures.tradingcharts.com/historical/CC/1977/0/continuous.html?ref=thechocolatelife.com) | | [ICCO Pricing Stats](https://www.icco.org/statistics/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) | ### **More Headlines** [TCL Weekly Chocolate News Brief: June 29 – July 6The TCL Weekly Chocolate News Brief is a membership benefit for Premium (paid) members of TheChocolateLife.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons-29613543-9ef1-4d6d-818c-88e6f6b3208c.png)The Chocolate LifeTheChocolateWire![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/TheChocolateLifeWeeklyNewsRoundup_Featured1920x1080-46c258c6-8271-416f-b92a-5da8b5191fdd.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/tcl-weekly-chocolate-news-brief-june-29-july-6/) [TogetherCocoa’s Biggest Risk Is an Own GoalEditor’s Comment: The cocoa industry’s latest collaborative venture starts with broad support. Its challenge is convincing the sector that it intends to play an open game![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/sophie-LOGO-FINAL_WEB-c6731645-1041-4fe0-b7ff-e205249bc869.png)From The Desk of CocoaRadar™Anthony Myers![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/cruyff_togetherCocoa-13173dd1-9669-45e5-bb8e-3aff3d757647.png)](https://cocoaradar.com/togethercocoas-biggest-risk-is-an-own-goal/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) > Liberato Milo is the newly-appointed Chairman of the TogetherCocoa Foundation,. He is also the Head of Confectionery, Ice Cream, Cocoa Beverages & Permissible Snacking at Nestlé. [Inside Big Chocolate’s Cocoa Plan BCocoa alternatives have gone mainstream. From Mars and Nestlé to Lindt, Mondelēz and Barry Callebaut, leading confectionery companies are investing in cocoa-free chocolate, cultivated cocoa and innovative ingredients to tackle soaring cocoa prices and supply chain challenges.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/favicon-93995845-981a-458f-9258-245e8acdaf62.ico)William Reed LtdDonna Eastlake![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/IYM2P25KOVD2RPGYHVFUHKTGPA-1c8cecb4-478c-46e6-b128-fc50a3803fe3.jpg)](https://www.confectionerynews.com/Article/2026/07/02/mars-nestle-lindt-barry-callebaut-mondelez-big-chocolates-alternative-cocoa-strategies/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) Nestlé is talking out of all sides of its mouth. [SAI Platform unveils regenerative agriculture framework backed by global food companiesMore than 40 food companies have backed SAI Platform’s new programme to help standardise regenerative agriculture and accelerate adoption across global supply chains.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/mstile-144x144-4cfd3586-ae8f-478f-bd51-2bdbcbb0bfc8.png)New FoodBen Cornwell![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/21508_shutterstock_1415814419-42f21c97-067b-42dd-b918-66031709e511.jpg)](https://www.newfoodmagazine.com/news/sai-platform-unveils-regenerative-agriculture-framework-backed-by-global-food-companies/2135815.article?ref=thechocolatelife.com) [Regenerating Together Programme — SAI PlatformBuilding the regenerative capacity of agriculture through a global, farmer-centred, industry-led initiative.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/favicon-210x210-a33b40ff-6273-41bf-94ad-f2172c5eef4b.png)SAI Platform![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/regenerating-together-programme-banner-81c66b49-b39d-45f1-b989-f05b9fcbd22a.webp)](https://saiplatform.org/schemes-and-frameworks/regenerating-together-programme/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) [EUDR’s Compliance vs. RealityEUDR forced the market to buy digital traceability. Six months from enforcement, the more companies invest in compliance visibility, the wider the gap between what is reported and what is real.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/al2o9zrvru7aqj8e1x2rzsrca-8ed4ba20-ebc0-4d19-9bc4-6ec92b3a3b06)LinkedInMiguel P.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/1782172763005-9ab86789-1191-4e5e-9671-bc41bebbca0e)](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/eudrs-compliance-vs-reality-miguel-pinheiro-ike0e/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) "**Nearly 60% of cocoa producers now carry a digital ID for every farmer. Yet 28% have mapped zero farms*" (Farmforce 2026). [British EUDR? UK government to introduce anti-deforestation rulesIn Europe, the EUDR, the EU’s anti-deforestation regulation, fast approaches. Now, the UK has announced its own rules. While the details of the rules have yet to be solidified, it will cover coffee, cocoa, palm oil, soy and rubber, and will apply in Great Britain (the UK excluding Northern Ireland, where the EUDR will apply).![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/favicon-e8af672e-ace7-485c-988a-fc362b768fe5.ico)William Reed LtdAugustus Bambridge-Sutton![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/XEFCXB7DWVBTBLHUDCP6I5YDYQ-a9753772-0e66-48c7-b8fc-efcffe55dd38.jpg)](https://www.confectionerynews.com/Article/2026/06/23/uk-government-to-introduce-anti-deforestation-rules/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) 25th Anniversary Lifetime Membership offer [![CTA Image](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2026/05/brewtubeAvatar512x.png)](https://thechocolatelife.com/25th-anniversary-lifetime-membership-offer/) ****I began my career** as a professional chocolate critic, journalist, consultant, and educator in mid-May 2001\. ****That means** I am celebrating my 25th anniversary as a professional chocolate critic, journalist, consultant, and educator in 2026\. To help me celebrate, I hope you will consider becoming a ***Lifetime** Member! ****This updated special offer is available through December 31, 2026.** [Learn More About Lifetime Membership! ](https://thechocolatelife.com/25th-anniversary-lifetime-membership-offer/) [ECF and ECA publish Joint Industry Specification for jute bags and jute yarns in cocoa and coffee supply chains - ECF17 June 2026 – The European Coffee Federation (ECF) and the European Cocoa Association (ECA) have jointly published a new Industry Specification for jute bags and jute yarns used as food-contact packaging in cocoa and coffee supply chains. The specification establishes a modern alternative to the IJO98/01 standard, which has governed jute bag production for... View Article![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/favicon-c9458c2c-232f-47fe-9af1-4378a02e9c8a.ico)ECFMartina Fumagalli![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/Screenshot-2026-06-17-121405-31f03d57-c1e2-4b58-9195-7e4911f624eb.png)](https://www.ecf-coffee.org/ecf-and-eca-publish-joint-industry-specification-for-jute-bags-and-jute-yarns-in-cocoa-and-coffee-supply-chains/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) [Lindt hits 100% cocoa milestone amid Big Confectionery sustainability driveLindt & Sprüngli reaches 100% Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa as Big Confectionery accelerates sustainability, farmer income and long-term supply resilience.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/favicon-a6f0d1c8-5a96-44d7-bcb8-69b986b7189c.ico)William Reed LtdDonna Eastlake![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/WM6HEPYVC5HLNGNPGFOTDAHUOM-0846a417-af9b-4c18-a02d-bcd6fbbff3c3.jpg)](https://www.confectionerynews.com/Article/2026/06/18/lindt-hits-100-cocoa-milestone-amid-big-confectionery-sustainability-drive/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) [Döhler commits to cocoa‑free future with Nukoko acquisitionDöhler’s acquisition of Nukoko signals a shift for confectionery as cocoa-free chocolate moves from niche to scalable solution amid supply and cost pressures.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/favicon-b1cd6a6e-dda3-497a-a74f-54920279ca45.ico)William Reed LtdDonna Eastlake![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/V5WWYB6ORVAPPP2DSSABWLPJ5I-3f6fe5b2-7c3e-44ff-95c2-0b46ced3f6d8.jpg)](https://www.confectionerynews.com/Article/2026/06/18/dohler-acquires-nukoko-as-cocoa-free-chocolate-gains-momentum-in-confectionery/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) [‘Fricy’: why it’s the hottest flavour trend of summer 2026Fricy is the fruity-spicy flavour trend set to dominate summer 2026, blending sweet fruits with chilli heat across drinks, desserts and savoury foods.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/favicon-c7fcbffc-0d84-49a8-9e51-e3659c9e27ce.ico)William Reed LtdLisa Buckingham![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/IHRZNVPBO5HLFE2DOLXZEYHJJI-3d26a70f-1668-43d3-a715-0e5ed25d23ef.jpg)](https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2026/06/26/fricy-trend-fruity-meets-spicy-summer-2026/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) --- ### **Last-Minute News Bites** 1. The exact case count in the ongoing U.S *cyclosporiasis* outbreak remains unclear, but it continues to grow. The latest data from CDC includes more than 800 confirmed domestic cases, plus some 1,500 still under investigation. Meanwhile, Michigan, which currently seems to be the most affected state, reports more than 2,600 cases alone. Michigan investigators are also looking at lettuce or salad as a potential source of the outbreak. Perhaps complicating outbreak reporting is the fact that national surveillance of *Cyclospora cayetenensis* took a big hit last year when CDC cut the pathogen from FoodNet. *Cyclospora* is a particularly challenging pathogen to isolate and identify, complicating public health responses to outbreaks. Illnesses caused by the parasite have been on an upward trajectory over the last three decades. 2. The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA), in partnership with Food Standards Scotland (FSS), has published four new pieces of guidance to help businesses developing and producing cell-cultivated products (sometimes referred to as “lab-grown meat”) and other novel foods navigate the regulatory requirements needed to bring safe, innovative products to market. ***Q: Will the FDA/USDA follow suit?*** --- ### **Future Episodes** 🗓️ Tuesday, July 21st IICCT Certification programs deep dive --- ### **Episode Hashtags** #News #AMA #AskMeAnything #cocoa #cacao #cacau #chocolate #chocolat #craftchocolate #PodSaveChoc #PSC #LaVidaCocoa #TheChocolateLife --- ### **#PodSaveChocolate and #TheChocolateLifeLIVE Archives** **To read an archived post** and find the links to watch archived episodes, click on one of the bookmark cards, below. [Pod Save Chocolate Calendar and ArchiveNews, views, and conversations on topics in cocoa and chocolate streamed live to YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook. #PodSaveChocolate!![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2020/12/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2023/11/TagImageBanner-PodSaveChocTagFinal_1920x1080-5.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/pod-save-chocolate-calendar-and-archive/) [#TheChocolateLifeLIVE ArchiveNews, views, and conversations on topics in cocoa and chocolate streamed live to YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2020/12/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2023/03/solen-feyissa-WG7v_wYZW4Q-unsplash-CalendarFeatured1920x1080.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/thechocolatelife-live-calendar/) ⁉️ After a year-long+ experiment, the audio-only versions of PodSaveChocolate episodes have been taken down after an end-of-year review. There were not enough listens to continue uploading episodes and paying for hosting. --- ## Not a Member? Live The Chocolate Life – Live La Vida Cocoa! Sign up for ****Free** to comment and receive members-only content. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Premium subscriptions available. Premium memberships from $5/month are also available.