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Episode 106 Overview
Topics to be covered include:
1️⃣ The Continuing Saga of the Cost of Cocoa
| MARKETS |
|---|
| Futures / Historical Prices / Moving Average – Barchart.com |
| Graph – Trading Economics |
| TL;DR — ICCO is now bullish on there being a surplus in the 2024/2025 season, which is pushing future prices down, at least for now. The outlook depends on this being true. Unfortunately, no industry-wide changes that address the underlying reasons behind the price surge have been undertaken. |
Despite ICCO being bullish in some outlets, the official stance is different.
Positing another alternative to real cocoa.
1️⃣🅰️ The potential impact of the current US Administration’s trade war by tariffs policies on chocolate makers is yet to be known – but uncertainty is rarely welcomed.
For the moment, a wide range of goods from Canada and Mexico are now subject to 25% import tariffs, and many goods from China are now subject to an additional 10% tariff.
Is the de minimis exception next?
The de minimis exemption is still on the chopping block.
2️⃣ World Cocoa Foundation’s Cocoa “Rescue Plan”
The March 19020 event mentioned in the story above.
3️⃣ Transparent Communication Alert: Zotter USA
Kudos to the Zotter USA team swiftly acknowledging a breach and clearly and concisely letting customers know what it was and what the concerns were/are.
4️⃣ Obfuscation Alert!
Boooooooooooo.
5️⃣ Festival Updates
I will be there and will file reports of who I see and what I taste – and more!
April 5 & 6 in Albuquerque.
Formerly the Craft Chocolate Experience, now scheduled for May 10-11 (Mother’s Day weekend) at the Hilton SF Union Square.
The return of the Norwich Chocolate Festival in April, confirmed dates for the 2025 Midwest Craft Chocolate Festival in November, and more are now on the calendar.
6️⃣ Having Fun While Getting All Judgy and Stuff
Nearly 70 official entries from a makers in a dozen countries to judge, many from first-time entrants – and a new judging platform.
Adding value for all entrants and entries via a new platform.
Other Topic Resource Links
Links to other stories and resources mentioned in the AMA be added after the episode.
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.
More Episode Hashtags (and Related Accounts to Follow)
#News #AMA #Trends
#cocoa #cacao #cacau
#chocolate #chocolat #craftchocolate
#PodSaveChoc #PSC
#LaVidaCocoa #TheChocolateLife
Future Episodes
None were scheduled at the time the post for this episode was published.
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