> ## 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. # May 2025 News & AMA | #PodSaveChocolate Ep 121 - URL: https://thechocolatelife.com/may-2025-news-ama-podsavechocolate-ep-121-2/ - Published: 2025-05-19T17:41:26.000Z - Updated: 2025-05-21T16:17:14.000Z - Description: Episode 121 of #PodSaveChocolate features chocolate news that’s fit to eat and AMA/Ask me Anything (about chocolate and cocoa) for May 2025. [ Updated ] - Author: Clay Gordon - Tags: PodSaveChocolate, Live Stream **When and Where to Watch** 🗓️ The stream airs LIVE at 11:00 ****PDT/MST** (12:00 MDT, 1:00 CDT, 2:00 EDT), on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025. Links below to watch LIVE and to view the archived episode. Click on this (shareable) link to watch on YouTube. Please 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. 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-7330284783186444288-IBGL?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. [Watch this episode on LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/claygordon%5Fpodsavechocolate-lavidacocoa-thechocolatelife-activity-7330284783186444288-IBGL?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://fb.me/e/8hLvNLVV2?ref=thechocolatelife.com) 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. [Watch this episode on Facebook ](https://fb.me/e/8hLvNLVV2?ref=thechocolatelife.com) --- ## **Episode 121 Overview** People participating live can ask **AMA** questions in the chat at any point during the episode. **News** topics lined up to be covered include: ### **The Continuing Saga of the Cost of Cocoa** | **MARKETS** | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | [Graph](https://tradingeconomics.com/commodity/cocoa?ref=thechocolatelife.com) – Trading Economics | | [ICCO Pricing Stats](https://www.icco.org/statistics/?ref=thechocolatelife.com#tab-id-1) | | [Futures](https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/CC%2A0/futures-prices?ref=thechocolatelife.com) / [Historical Prices](https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/CCZ24/historical-prices?orderBy=contractExpirationDate&orderDir=desc&ref=thechocolatelife.com) / [Moving Average](https://www.barchart.com/futures/quotes/CC%2A0/futures-prices?viewName=movingAverages&ref=thechocolatelife.com) – Barchart.com | | **TL;DR** — With the main cocoa harvest having officially ended (in late March), **expectations for the mid-crop are poor** in terms of quality, along with the complexities of the EUDR towards the end of the year. The outlook for cocoa prices still remains bullish. | ### **The Ongoing Controversy over LIRP** **What is the LIRP?** > A **Living Income Reference Price** indicates the farmgate price needed for a typical farmer household with a viable crop area and a sustainable productivity level to earn a living income from the sales of their crop. A living income is sufficient income to afford a decent standard of living for the household members, including a nutritious diet, decent housing, education, health care, other essential needs and a provision for unexpected events. > — Source: [Fairtrade.net](https://reference-prices.fairtrade.net/about?ref=thechocolatelife.com) **A Living Income Reference Price is based on four key variables:** > **Sustainable yields:** Defined as a realistic target productivity level that can be attained when recommended sustainable agricultural practices are implemented. Feasible yield targets are set by producers and technical experts at origin, considering the local context, conditions and common production practices. > > **Viable crop area:** A full-time farmer should be able to make a living income from farming. Therefore, a viable crop area to depend solely on the revenue of this crop for a livelihood is defined as sufficient land to fully absorb the available adult workforce in a typical household. This means that farmers who have a smaller land size likely need complementary income sources to make a living income. > > **Cost of sustainable production:** The farm investments for implementing sustainable agricultural practices required to meet the target yield are calculated as the production costs. Any hired labour needed after the available household labour is fully deployed is factored in at a living wage. > > **Living income:** Living Income benchmarks are established using [the Anker methodology](https://www.globallivingwage.org/about/anker-methodology/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) and represent the costs of a decent standard of living for a typical household, including food, shelter and other essential needs.The net farm income should be at least equal to a living income, in case of a viable farm area when sustainable yields are achieved. > — Source: [Fairtrade.net](https://reference-prices.fairtrade.net/about?ref=thechocolatelife.com) [Fairtrade Living Income Reference Prices ‘don’t go far enough’ as Chocoa opens with discussions on the ongoing issue of farmer povertyFairtrade recently published its updated Living Income Reference Prices (LIRP) for cocoa from Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana, and while it is viewed as a valuable tool by the industry - according to some it does “not reflect the right of cocoa farmers to earn a Living Income”![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/sophie-LOGO-FINAL_WEB-3.png)From The Desk of CocoaRadarAnthony Myers![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/Cote-divoire-cocoa-farmer-cocoaradar-image.jpg)](https://cocoaradar.com/fairtrade-living-income-reference-prices-dont-go-far-enough-as-chocoa-opens-with-discussions-on-the-ongoing-issue-of-farmer-poverty-2/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) Feb 5 > Fairtrade’s new reference prices, calculated in local currency, are converted to $2.68 per kilo of cocoa from Ghana, a 26% increase over the previous one, and €2.65 ($2.80) per kilo from Côte d’Ivoire, a 20% increase. As Fairtrade does with its minimum price, the Ivorian reference price is set in euros instead of US dollars to reduce the effect of exchange rate fluctuations between dollars and the local currency. [Fairtrade’s Living Income Reference Prices now available ‘on demand’Fairtrade International has announced a significant update to its Living Income Reference Price (LIRP) with a streamlined ‘on-demand’ process to help companies take action to improve cocoa farmers’ incomes![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/sophie-LOGO-FINAL_WEB-2.png)From The Desk of CocoaRadarAnthony Myers![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/Solidaridad-Fairtrade-LIRP-2-1024x684.jpg)](https://cocoaradar.com/fairtrades-living-income-reference-prices-now-available-on-demand/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) May 6 [Calls for Fairtrade’s new Living Income Cocoa Reference Prices to be suspended after concerns with ‘questionable’ dataJoint statement from two civil society organisations in Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana has heavily criticized a recent update to Fairtrade Living Income Cocoa Reference Prices ( LIRP) calling them ‘questionable and even hazardous’![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/sophie-LOGO-FINAL_WEB-4.png)From The Desk of CocoaRadarAnthony Myers![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/Cote-divoire-cocoa-farmer-cocoaradar-image-1.webp)](https://cocoaradar.com/calls-for-fairtrades-new-living-income-cocoa-reference-prices-to-be-suspended-after-concerns-with-questionable-data/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) May 14 > \[...\] questions figures released in Tony's Open Chain Impact report 2023-2024 (pp34) published before the publication of the new Fairtrade price standard, which states that "the expected yield is set at 800 kg/ha, based on consultations conducted by Fairtrade with farmers in West Africa in 2018/19\. > There is a discrepancy because the figures are not currently reflected in Tony's open-chain supply chain: average yields are around 580 kg/ha, with more appropriate aspirational yields of 620 kg/ha. > — Source: Cocoa Radar (May 14 issue – link above) --- ### **Connecting the LIRP to Tony’s 2023/2024 “Fair” Report** ![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2025/05/Tonys-23-24-Year-at-a-Glance-Large.jpeg) ![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2025/05/TCFairTReportUpdatep0136.jpg) ![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2025/05/TCFairTReportUpdatep06.jpg) \[L\] Original edition, P6 (Feb 2025); \[C\] Original edition, P136; Updated editrion, P6 (May 20250. The changes to page six of the report were a direct result of my calling out this discrepancy in a post on LinkedIn. An unnamed representative of Tony’s called the error on page 6 in the original edition a copy editing error. The update was made to the page without any indication of the original mistake. ***Where’s the commitment to transparency, Tony’s? (Why?)*** [The 2025 Chocolate Scorecard & Tony’s “Fair” Report | #PodSaveChocolate Ep 114Episode 114 of #PodSaveChocolate features a discussion of two recurring topics: The Chocolate Scorecard (released just in time for Easter), and the most recent “Fair” Report from Tony’s Chocolonely. \[ Updated \]![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons-127.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/Ep-114-ScorecardTonys---Featured1920x1080-2.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/the-2025-chocolate-scorecard-tonys-fair-report-podsavechocolate-ep-114/) Background --- ### **Other News** [Food technology startup launches ‘beanless’ ingredients platformCompound Foods produces beanless coffee, cacao products with upcycled ingredients.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/mstile-310x310-1.png)Food Business NewsBrooke Just![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/Adobe-Express---file---2025-05-06T100534.634.png)](https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/28229-food-technology-startup-launches-beanless-ingredients-platform?ref=thechocolatelife.com) > [The heavy metal scare in chocolate is, without exaggeration, complete fear mongering that relies on people taking things at face value. Long post but TLDR at top.](https://www.reddit.com/r/chocolate/comments/1kl9lao/the%5Fheavy%5Fmetal%5Fscare%5Fin%5Fchocolate%5Fis%5Fwithout/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) > by [u/Civil\_Turn\_1245](https://www.reddit.com/user/Civil%5FTurn%5F1245/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) in [chocolate](https://www.reddit.com/r/chocolate/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) [The Tulane University press office announcement](https://news.tulane.edu/pr/dark-side-dark-chocolate-new-study-finds-very-minimal-risk-kids-metals-chocolates?ref=thechocolatelife.com). [FDA approves three natural food colorantsGaldieria blue, butterfly pea extract, and calcium phosphate to replace synthetic dyes by 2026![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/restauranthospitality-CRSAONy-.ico)Restaurant HospitalityJoanna Fantozzi![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/Butterfly-pea_flower_tea_3.jpeg)](https://www.restaurant-hospitality.com/policy-regulation/fda-approves-three-natural-alternatives-for-banned-food-dyes?ref=thechocolatelife.com) [Google Alerts - Monitor the Web for interesting new content![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/favicon-28.ico)Monitor the Web for interesting new content](https://www.google.com/alerts?ref=thechocolatelife.com#2:0) The state of chocolate news in the media --- ***Open Opportunity*** [Unique Chocolate Retail Opportunity in Harvard SquareSublet move-in ready space within a historic retail storefront steps from Harvard Square. Utilities, fixtures, and a dedicated storefront window display space are included. \[Updated March 31.\]![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons-81.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/LeavittPeirceFeatured1920x1080-d0bf1ee87a8c7471-2.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/unique-chocolate-retail-opportunity-in-harvard-square/) --- **Festival Updates** [Chocolate Events + Holidays CalendarA calendar of Chocolate Festivals, Conferences, Exhibitions, Trade Fairs, and Food (& other) Holidays. This is a work in progress. Is there something missing or wrong? Please scroll down for instructions and let us know so it can be added or corrected. \[ Updated January 20, 2025\. \]![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons-17.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/pramuk-perera-2kiZCJeVxqM-unsplash-Featured1920x1080-1.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/chocolate-events-holidays-calendar/) Updated through May with confirmed dates for the 2025 Midwest Craft Chocolate Festival in November – and more – are now on the calendar. --- ### **AMA Topic Resource Links** Links to stories and resources mentioned in the AMA will be added after the episode. [Tony's Chocolonely Annual FAIR Report 2023/2024 | Clay Gordon | 30 commentsI have a question about the 2023/2024 annual “Fair” report from Tony's Chocolonely: On page 6 of said report, they claim to have paid \~€2000/MT in premiums for the roughly 17,000 MT of cocoa they purchased (an average of about \~850kg/farming family). That’s \~€34 million just in premiums. If I look at the P&L statement on page 73 of the report, I don’t see which line includes the €34 million. If they paid an average of just €4000/MT for beans (low given the period), that’s €68 million, bringing the total to over €100 million for beans+premium. Where is the cost of beans reflected in the P&L? https://lnkd.in/g8nYcipE | 30 comments on LinkedIn![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/al2o9zrvru7aqj8e1x2rzsrca-27)LinkedInClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/1745779877544-1)](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/claygordon%5Ftonys-chocolonely-annual-fair-report-2023-activity-7322333087013425152-A2Ff/?rcm=ACoAAAABaLUB44l0lzyoZ9nf9Lg8nfstgzLqxbg&ref=thechocolatelife.com) My LinkedIn post where I pointed out the issue on P6. --- ### **Questions?** If you have questions or want to comment, you can do so during the episode or, if you are a ChocolateLife member, you can add them in the Comments below at ***any*** time. --- ### **Episode Hashtags and Socials** #News #AMA #Trends #cocoa #cacao #cacau #chocolate #chocolat #craftchocolate #PodSaveChoc #PSC #LaVidaCocoa #TheChocolateLife --- ### **Future Episodes** 🗓️ Ep 122 – Friday, May 23rd Topic TBD 🗓️ Ep 123 – Tuesday, May 27th Interview and Tasting – Baianí Chocolat (Brazil) --- ### **#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/) [PodSaveChocolateHosted by Clay Gordon, the creator and moderator of TheChocolateLife.com, #PodSaveChocolate covers a wide variety of topics in the worlds of cocoa and chocolate. The video versions of this podcast are hosted and archived on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Click on the PodSaveChocolate link in the top nav on TheChocolateLife for the links to the post accompanying each episode.![](https://pnc.st/static/img/256x256.png)Pinecast![](https://social.pinecast.net/preview_card/podcasts/covers/d3730dca-0711-4720-9ef3-3b18918c1f0d/TagImageBanner-PodSaveChocTagFinal_1920x1080.jpg?title=PodSaveChocolate)](https://pnc.st/s/podsavechocolate?ref=thechocolatelife.com) Audio-only podcasts --- ## 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. 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