COPAL COCOA Info



COPAL COCOA Info A Weekly Newsletter of Cocoa Producers' Alliance

| Health and Nutrition |Environmental Issues |

|A chocolate that can render acne history |Fair Trade Chocolate Hits the Mainstream |

|Health tip of the day: Heart-Health Benefits of Chocolate |Chocolate lovers can feel less guilty after Dairy Milk goes |

| |Fairtrade |

|Production and Quality |Ghana: Cadbury's Fairtrade Certification to Boost Cocoa Farming |

|Cameroon cocoa exports up 9.6 pct after 11 months | |

|Ivory Coast cocoa rains ease, concern remains |Labour Issues |

| | |

|The Market |Research & Development |

|SOFTS-Cocoa rallies to 5-mth peak as funds buy |Wanted: Women to eat chocolate for a year |

|Liberian Farmers Sell Cocoa to Ivorian Counterparts on Prices |Chocolate heaven – low fat and it doesn’t melt |

|Sweet! Swiss Invent a No-Melt, Low-Cal Chocolate | |

|Foods and Softs Outlook - July 24, 2009 |Promotion |

| |Free chocolate from Mars on Friday |

|Processing & Manufacturing |Mars Chocolate to Use Only Certified Cocoa by 2020 |

|Now, camel milk chocolate set to hit world markets! | |

|Askinosie Chocolate Store Opens in Singapore This Week--Askinosie |Otherst |

|Chocolate Satay Anyone? |Ode to chocolates |

| | |

|Business & Economy | |

|Stanbic Bank To Support Cocoa Purchasing Firms | |

|Starbucks and Hershey's end partnership to offer premium chocolate | |

|Malaysia Agribusiness Report Q3 2009 | |

In the News (from Newspapers worldwide)

ICCO Daily Cocoa Prices

| |ICCO daily price |ICCO daily price |London futures (£/tonne) |New York futures |

| |(SDR/tonne) |($US/tonne) | |($US/tonne) |

| | | | | |

| | | | | |

International Financial Futures and Options Exchange (LIFFE)

London Futures Market – Summary of Trading Activities

(£ per tonne)

|Monday |20th July |2009 |  |  |  |  |

|Month |Opening Trans |Settle |Change |Daily High |Daily Low |Volume |

|Sep-09 |1778 |1808 |35 |1831 |1774 |6,836 |

|Dec-09 |1785 |1818 |36 |1840 |1784 |5,563 |

|Mar-10 |1783 |1817 |34 |1841S |1783 |914 |

|May-10 |1792 |1811 |33 |1827 |1792 |59 |

|Jul-10 |1775 |1803 |30 |1775 |1775 |30 |

|Sep-10 |1806 |1800 |28 |1806 |1801 |31 |

|Dec-10 |  |1806 |28 |  |  |0 |

|Mar-11 |  |1803 |35 |  |  |0 |

|May-11 |  |1813 |35 |  |  |0 |

|Jul-11 |  |1811 |35 |  |  |0 |

|Totals |  |1809 |  |  |  |13,433 |

| | | | | | | |

|Tuesday |21st July |2009 |  |  |  |  |

|Month |Opening Trans |Settle |Change |High |Low |Volume |

|Sep-09 |1802 |1824 |16 |1828 |1800 |2,962 |

| | | | | | | |

| | | | | | | |

|Wednesday |22nd July |2009 |  |  |  |  |

|Month |Opening Trans |Settle |Change |High |Low |Volume |

|Sep-09 |1823 |1748 |-76 |1823 |1740 |7,231 |

|Dec-09 |1834 |1768 |-68 |1836 |1763 |7,004 |

|Mar-10 |1832 |1768 |-65 |1832 |1765 |3,160 |

|May-10 |1820 |1763 |-63 |1822 |1764S |526 |

|Jul-10 | |1755 |-68 | | |0 |

|Sep-10 |1810 |1754 |-65 |1810 |1809S |10 |

|Dec-10 |  |1759 |-63 |  |  |0 |

|Mar-11 |  |1749 |-69 |  |  |0 |

|May-11 |  |1754 |-75 |  |  |0 |

|Jul-11 |  |1752 |-75 |  |  |0 |

|Totals |  |1757 |  |  |  |17,931 |

| | | | | | | |

| | | | | | | |

|Thursday |23rd July |2009 |  |  |  |  |

|Month |Opening Trans |Settle |Change |High |Low |Volume |

|Sep-09 |1763 |1819 |71 |1832 |1753 |3,711 |

|Dec-09 |1784 |1835 |67 |1852 |1773S |2,033 |

|Mar-10 |1772 |1828 |60 |1845 |1772S |891 |

|May-10 |1776 |1821 |58 |1832S |1772 |586 |

|Jul-10 |1776 |1818 |63 |1820 |1776 |0 |

|Sep-10 | |1810 |56 | | |57 |

|Dec-10 |1791 |1811 |52 |1791S |1791S |2 |

|Mar-11 |  |1806 |57 |  |  |0 |

|May-11 |  |1815 |61 |  |  |0 |

|Jul-11 |  |1815 |63 |  |  |0 |

|Totals |  |1818 |  |  |  |7,280 |

| | | | | | | |

| | | | | | | |

|Friday |24th July |2009 |  |  |  |  |

|Month |Opening Trans |Settle |Change |High |Low |Volume |

|Sep-09 |1812 |1841 |22 |1845 |1800 |2,532 |

|Dec-09 |1829 |1857 |22 |1861 |1815 |2,397 |

|Mar-10 |1816 |1854 |26 |1856S |1810 |593 |

|May-10 |1807 |1847 |26 |1847S |1803 |79 |

|Jul-10 |1830 |1845 |27 |1845 |1830 |74 |

|Sep-10 |1800 |1843 |33 |1845 |1799 |152 |

|Dec-10 | |1843 |32 | | |0 |

|Mar-11 |  |1838 |32 |  |  |0 |

|May-11 |  |1847 |32 |  |  |0 |

|Jul-11 |  |1847 |32 |  |  |0 |

|Totals |  |1776 |  |  |  |3,295 |

| | | | | | | |

| | | | | | | |

|Average for the week |  |8986 |  |  |  |

New York Board of Trade

(New York Futures Market – Summary of Trading Activities)

(US$ per tonne)

|Monday |20th July |2009 |  |  |  |  |

|Month |Open |Price |Change |High |Low |Volume |

|Sep-09 |2773 |2868 |106 |2889 |2773 |9,367 |

|Dec-09 |2797 |2889 |106 |2905 |2795 |2,486 |

|Mar-10 |2825 |2900 |102 |2917 |2825 |559 |

|May-10 |2882 |2903 |102 |2920 |2882 |144 |

|Jul-10 |0 |2910 |102 |0 |0 |0 |

|Sep-10 |0 |2911 |102 |0 |0 |0 |

|Dec-10 |0 |2916 |102 |0 |0 |200 |

|Mar-11 |0 |2918 |102 |0 |0 |0 |

|May-11 |0 |2918 |102 |0 |0 |0 |

|Jul-11 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

|Totals |  |2904 |  |  |  | |

| | | | | | |13,433 |

| | | | | | | |

| | | | | | | |

|Tuesday |21st July |2009 |  |  |  |  |

|Month |Open |Price |Change |High |Low |Volume |

|Sep-09 |2857 |2875 |7 |2885 |2837 |6,471 |

|Dec-09 |2880 |2897 |8 |2906 |2859 |1,582 |

|Mar-10 |2881 |2903 |3 |2911 |2873 |597 |

|May-10 |2885 |2905 |2 |2914 |2885 |201 |

|Jul-10 |2901 |2912 |2 |2901 |2900 |7 |

|Sep-10 |2900 |2913 |2 |2921 |2899 |76 |

|Dec-10 |2897 |2919 |3 |2924 |2897 |94 |

|Mar-11 |0 |2919 |1 |0 |0 |0 |

|May-11 |0 |2919 |1 |0 |0 |0 |

|Jul-11 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

|Totals |  |2907 |  |  |  | |

| | | | | | |9,028 |

| | | | | | | |

| | | | | | | |

|Wednesday |22nd July |2009 |  |  |  |  |

|Month |Open |Price |Change |High |Low |Volume |

|Sep-09 |2857 |2752 |-123 |2857 |2729 |10,065 |

|Dec-09 |2870 |2779 |-118 |2881 |2758 |4,097 |

|Mar-10 |2886 |2788 |-115 |2890 |2773 |1,020 |

|May-10 |2876 |2790 |-115 |2885 |2774 |484 |

|Jul-10 |2808 |2798 |-114 |2808 |2808 |9 |

|Sep-10 |2802 |2800 |-113 |2813 |2802 |21 |

|Dec-10 |2908 |2807 |-112 |2908 |2908 |4 |

|Mar-11 |0 |2807 |-112 |0 |0 |2 |

|May-11 |0 |2807 |-112 |0 |0 |0 |

|Jul-11 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

|Totals |  |2792 |  |  |  | |

| | | | | | |15,702 |

| | | | | | | |

| | | | | | | |

|Thursday |23rd July |2009 |  |  |  |  |

|Month |Open |Price |Change |High |Low |Volume |

|Sep-09 |2792 |2883 |131 |2922 |2771 |9,206 |

|Dec-09 |2809 |2912 |133 |2950 |2808 |3,193 |

|Mar-10 |2820 |2919 |131 |2949 |2820 |493 |

|May-10 |2823 |2920 |130 |2946 |2823 |85 |

|Jul-10 |2875 |2930 |132 |2951 |2875 |15 |

|Sep-10 |2864 |2933 |133 |2955 |2864 |48 |

|Dec-10 |0 |2939 |132 |0 |0 |0 |

|Mar-11 |0 |2939 |132 |0 |0 |0 |

|May-11 |0 |2939 |132 |0 |0 |0 |

|Jul-11 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

|Totals |  |2924 |  |  |  | |

| | | | | | |13,040 |

| |  |  |  |  |  | |

|Friday |24th July |2009 |  |  |  |  |

|Month |Open |Price |Change |High |Low |Volume |

|Sep-09 |2868 |2907 |24 |2920 |2833 |7,758 |

|Dec-09 |2896 |2936 |24 |2950 |2864 |3,173 |

|Mar-10 |2891 |2940 |21 |2950 |2875 |1,221 |

|May-10 |2903 |2941 |21 |2951 |2903 |77 |

|Jul-10 |2943 |2948 |18 |2954 |2941 |37 |

|Sep-10 |2901 |2950 |17 |2960 |2893 |164 |

|Dec-10 |0 |2956 |17 |0 |0 |0 |

|Mar-11 |0 |2956 |17 |0 |0 |0 |

|May-11 |0 |2956 |17 |0 |0 |0 |

|Jul-11 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

|Totals |  |2943 |  |  |  | |

| | | | | | |12,430 |

| |  |  |  |  |  |

News

Health and Nutrition

A chocolate that can render acne history

TIME - Helena Bachmann - ‎Jul 21, 2009‎

ANI24 July 2009, 12:00am IST

They say it’s the worst enemy of clear skin, but eating chocolate could actually prove to be a lifesaver for people who abandon their social lives A chocolate that can render acne history (Getty Images)

just because of acne.

Acne Care chocolate bars are said to deliver antioxidants and micro-nutrients that help clear the skin.

Makers of the revolutionary new chocolate, which is set to hit Australian shelves, claim that pimple-plagued sufferers will experience dramatic results within just two weeks of eating the chocolate.

Developed by US-based Frutels, the chocolate-coated treatment is believed to be the first of its kind and supports the body's defences and clarifies the skin from within.

Frutels recommend consumers eat between two and five chocolates a day for the fastest results, reports .au.

A company spokesman said: "This product takes beauty foods to another level by not only tackling acne care in an ingestible form, but by using a food that has been associated with causing acne to make these claims.

"Chocolate has long been taboo for acne sufferers."

Health tip of the day: Heart-Health Benefits of Chocolate

التيار الوطني - ‎Jul 20, 2009‎

It is no secret that fruits, vegetables and grains convey health benefits - we've been told that for years. But did you know that chocolate could result in health benefits, more specifically heart-health benefits ?

Have you had your flavonoids today?

While not a question normally asked at a social gathering, flavonoids have become quite a hot topic in the media and in scientific journals.

Flavonoids provide important protective benefits to plants, such as in repairing damage and shielding from environmental toxins. When we consume plant-based foods rich in flavonoids, it appears that we also benefit from this “antioxidant” power. Antioxidants are believed to help the body's cells resist damage caused by free radicals, formed by normal bodily processes such as breathing or environmental contaminants like cigarette smoke. When the body lacks adequate levels of antioxidants, free radical damage ensues, leading to increases in LDL-cholesterol oxidation and plaque formation on arterial walls.

In addition to their antioxidant capabilities, flavonoids also:

• Are thought to help reduce platelet activation

• May affect the relaxation capabilities of blood vessels

• May positively affect the balance of certain hormone-like compounds called eicosanoids, which are thought to play a role in cardiovascular health.

Forms of Chocolate

Before you grab a chocolate candy bar or slice of chocolate cake, let’s look at what forms of chocolate would be ideal over others:

- When cocoa is processed into your favourite chocolate products, it goes through several steps to reduce its naturally pungent taste. Flavonoids (polyphenols) provide this pungent taste. The more chocolate is processed (such as fermentation, alkalizing, roasting), the more flavonoids are lost. Most commercial chocolates fit this category.

- Dark chocolate appears to retain the highest level of flavonoids. So your best bet is to choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate.

- Some chocolate manufacturers are studying ways to retain the highest level of flavonoids while still providing acceptable taste.

What about all of the fat in chocolate?

You may be surprised to find out that chocolate isn’t as bad as once perceived. The fat in chocolate, from cocoa butter, is comprised of equal amounts of oleic acid (a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil), stearic and palmitic acids. Stearic and palmitic acids are forms of saturated fat. Saturated fats are linked to increases in LDL-cholesterol and risk for heart disease.

Research indicates that stearic acid appears to have a neutral effect on cholesterol, neither raising nor lowering it. Palmitic acid on the other hand, does affect cholesterol levels but only comprises one-third of the fat calories in chocolate.

This great news does not give us a license to consume as much dark chocolate as we’d like.

First, be cautious as to the type of dark chocolate you choose: chewy caramel-marshmallow-nut-covered dark chocolate is by no means a heart-healthy food option. What wreaks havoc on most chocolate products are the fat and calories that accompany other ingredients.

Second, there is currently no established serving size of chocolate to reap these cardiovascular benefits. However, what we do know is you no longer need to feel guilty if you enjoy a small piece of dark chocolate once in a while.

More research in this area is needed to determine just how much chocolate we chocolate-lovers can eat in order to acquire cardioprotective benefits. Until that time, enjoy chocolate in moderate portions a few times per week. Don’t forget to eat other flavonoid-rich foods like apples, red wine, tea, onions and cranberries.

keep reading this section for more health tips, in the meantime grab a dark chocolate bar and enjoy it guilt-free!

Production & Quality

Cameroon cocoa exports up 9.6 pct after 11 months

Fri Jul 24, 2009

YAOUNDE (Reuters) - Cameroon exported 173,992 tonnes of cocoa beans in the first 11 months of the 2008/09 season, up 9.6 percent on the same period last year, National Cocoa and Coffee Board (NCCB) figures showed on Friday.

The data, which was confirmed by the Cocoa and Coffee Interprofessional Board (CCIB), showed that Cameroon exported 4,635 tonnes of beans in June compared to 3,681 tonnes in May.

Last month's figures were revised slightly up from 3,627 tonnes but complaints that disease was hurting the tail end of the crop in the world's No. 5 producer continued.

"The June exports should have been much higher except for the black pod disease that affected output in the Centre and South regions," said NCCB director of statistics Gerard Ngubi.

The spread of black pod disease in the Centre region has forced farmers there to cut forecasts for the mid crop by 10-20 percent.

Andre Marie Lema, chief of operations at the CCIB, also blamed the lower than expected export volumes last month on frequent landslides on the Kumba-Mamfe road that hampered trucks from ferrying cocoa from some parts of the South-West.

Sole local grinder SIC-CACAOS, a subsidiary of Swiss firm Barry Callebaut, didn't buy any beans in June but its purchases since the beginning of the season stood at 25,117 tonnes at end- April, according to the NCCB.

Combined bean exports and grinding volumes bring production for the current campaign to 199,109 tonnes, 11,576 tonnes more than the record production in 2007/2008 and nearing the target of 200,000 tonnes set for this year.

Cameroon's cocoa season runs from August 1 through to July 31 every year, with the mid-crop harvest from late April/early May to late June/early July.

Ivory Coast cocoa rains ease, concern remains

Mon Jul 20, 2009

ABIDJAN (Reuters) - Rains eased in some of Ivory Coast's main cocoa growing regions last week, reversing a recent trend which has encouraged the spread of disease and damaged bean quality, farmers said on Monday.

In the centre-western region of Daloa, which produces a quarter of national output in the world's biggest grower, farmers reported two light rains which they said would be good for the growth of small pods.

"A lot of small pods are growing nicely, and will be harvested towards mid-August," said farmer Magloire Gnankan.

In the western region of Soubre, at the heart of the cocoa belt, farmers said rains eased up, but they were still concerned about cloudy weather and low levels of sunshine, both of which have contributed to the spread of disease.

"We are worried ... the weather favours black pod disease because the moisture doesn't evaporate very quickly," said Salem Kone, who farms near Soubre.

In the western region of Gagnoa, farmers said several small pods had turned black as a result of high humidity during June and July, while in the eastern region of Abengourou, farmers said more spells of sunshine would be welcome.

The Market

SOFTS-Cocoa rallies to 5-mth peak as funds buy

By David Brough and Sharon Lindores

LONDON, July 20 (Reuters) - ICE cocoa futures rallied to a 5-month peak on Monday on likely system fund buying on the back of better-than-expected North American Q2 grind data, with a weak dollar and stronger oil providing support, dealers said.

September jumped to the high of $2,889 and later pulled back to stand at $2,880 per tonne, up $118 or 4.3 percent, at 1138 GMT.

"There was follow-through buying on stronger-than-anticipated (North American) grinds," one London-based cocoa dealer said. "It's more likely to be the system funds."

He added: "Cocoa has a pretty good story behind it."

North American cocoa grindings in the second quarter dropped 6.75 percent from 2008 to 105,123 tonnes, data from the National Confectioners Association showed on Thursday. Dealers had expected a fall of roughly 10 percent.

The soft dollar and firmer oil supported the cocoa futures complex, as well as sugar and coffee, dealers said.

Oil rose a dollar to above $64 a barrel on Monday, reaching the highest in almost two weeks, as equities firmed and the dollar fell on expectations of a global economic recovery.

London December cocoa futures surged 50 pounds or 2.8 percent to stand at 1,832 pounds per tonne in reasonable volume of 4,429 lots.

One trader said the next resistance level for December was 1,850 pounds per tonne.

Sugar futures rose, supported by a weak dollar and firmer oil prices, dealers said.

The sugar market is closely watching the progress of the weak monsoon in net importer India, as well as the impact of recent rains on harvesting in the centre-south of top grower Brazil.

TRADING RANGE

"The market had a poor performance on Friday. It closed lower, the only strong point was that it held the 40-day and 50-day moving averages," one London-based trader said.

"From a technical point of view the 10 to 20-day moving averages have crossed to the downside so that's not particularly encouraging for the bulls," he said.

In a daily market report, broker Sucden Financial said: "For now we would expect the current trading range to remain, with scale down end user buying still in place between Friday's low and the 16.75 (cents per lb) level."

It added: "On the upside we would expect further producer pricing around the 17.70/18.00 area."

October raw sugar futures on ICE were up 0.31 cent at 17.61 cents per lb.

London October white sugar rose $5.50 or 1.2 percent to $463.70 per tonne.

Floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains over the past week have killed at least 36 people in the eastern Indian state of Orissa and inundated half a million homes, officials and witnesses said on Monday.

Coffee futures also benefited from the macroeconomic picture. "The dollar weakness has helped commodities in general," a coffee futures trader said.

September robusta futures rose $52 or 3.6 percent to $1,508 per tonne, while ICE September arabicas rose 1.65 cent to $1.2035 per lb.

Liberian Farmers Sell Cocoa to Ivorian Counterparts on Prices

By Ansu Konneh

July 23 (Bloomberg) -- Liberian farmers have stepped up sales of cocoa to their counterparts in Ivory Coast, the world’s largest producer of the ingredient for chocolate, after Ivorian rebels reopened their side of the border in June.

Farmers in the neighboring West African nation offer $2.50 per kilogram (2.2 pounds), more than double the $1 per kilogram paid by Liberian government agents, Anthony Saye, a cocoa farmer in Butuo near the Ivorian border, said on July 21.

“Hundreds of cocoa tons have been bought and the Ivorian market has now become the new point of buying for Liberian farmers,” he said.

Liberia, which is rebuilding its economy after a 14-year civil war, relies on exports of cocoa, rubber, gold and diamonds. On the other side of the border Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo struck a deal with rebels in 2007 to reunify the nation after a 2002 war that split the country in two.

Liberian exports to Ivory Coast are not included in official data, depressing the export figures, John Caranda, deputy managing director of the state-controlled Liberia Produce Marketing Corporation, responsible for monitoring cocoa and coffee, said by phone on July 22. “What we can do is set up customs and commerce ministry teams along the border to fully monitor the exports,” he said.

Liberian security officers assigned at the border said the cocoa trade between the two countries is on the rise.

“Everyday, we see trucks and pick-ups filled with bags of cocoa heading into Ivory Coast and we have no authority to stop the trade”, the Liberian Immigration Bureau’s Aaron Wesseh, said in an interview in Butuo.

Cocoa is Liberia’s second-largest agricultural export after rubber. Cocoa production rose 55 percent to 3,285 metric tons last year, the Ministry of Commerce said in February.

Cocoa for September delivery traded at 1,760 pounds ($2,908) a metric ton on London’s Liffe exchange today, bring its gain this year to 22 percent.

Sweet! Swiss Invent a No-Melt, Low-Cal Chocolate

TIME - Helena Bachmann - ‎Jul 21, 2009‎

By Helena Bachmann / Geneva Wednesday, Jul. 22, 2009

Swiss chocolate maker Barry Callebaut's non-melting, low-calorie chocolate

Barry Callebaut

When it comes to keeping trade secrets, Switzerland's chocolate makers can be as tight-lipped as its bankers. But while chocolatier Barry Callebaut refuses to reveal what goes into its latest invention, it's happy to share the result: a chocolate bar that won't melt in your hands or pack on the pounds.

The Zurich-based manufacturer, one of the world's leading producers of industrial chocolate and cocoa, which it distributes to global giants such as Nestlé and Cadbury, claims its new product, called Vulcano, is the world's first — and so far only — melt-resistant, low-calorie chocolate. "No more stains or sticky fingers," company spokeswoman Gaby Tschofen tells TIME. "The only place where Vulcano will melt is in the mouth, because of the enzymes present in the saliva."

(See pictures of what the world eats.)

Regular chocolate starts to soften at 30°C (85°F), but Barry Callebaut says Vulcano can withstand temperatures of up to 55°C (130°F). The manufacturer also claims that its new creation has 90% fewer calories than standard chocolate because it contains less of the treat's fatty ingredients like cocoa butter.

(Watch a TIME video on a bacon chocolate bar.)

Given its unique no-melt, low-fat combination, Barry Callebaut is keeping the tasty details of Vulcano's ingredients and manufacturing method under wraps. The company will only reveal that the chocolate was invented accidentally, while food engineers were working on another hush-hush project. "When we realized what we had stumbled upon, it was a real 'Eureka!' moment," Tschofen says. "We knew immediately that a chocolate that doesn't melt, is low in calories, but is still 100% natural would have a great market potential, especially in warmer climates or places with no adequate cooling systems."

By coming up with a chocolate that doesn't liquefy between your fingers (or in your pocket), Barry Callebaut has managed to create something that many chocolate makers have tried before but never accomplished. Former attempts at melt-free chocolate — including one by U.S. manufacturer Hershey — resulted in rock-hard bars that were a struggle to break, let alone eat. And the quest for a low-calorie bar has long been stymied by the tricky issues of flavor and texture. According to Tschofen, Vulcano — which gets its name from the little air bubbles it contains that conjure up images of volcanic lava — has a crispy, crunchy texture rather than creamy but tastes as good as regular chocolate.

(Read "Chocolate Sales: A Sweet Spot in the Recession.")

Tschofen says consumers will most likely see Vulcano — currently available in dark, milk, white and fruit varieties — in the form of a filling for chocolate bars, biscuits, pastries and other confectionaries. Since Barry Callebaut has only recently started presenting its invention to chocolate manufacturers, food companies, bakeries and pastry chefs, it will likely be two years before it hits the mass market.

But whether Vulcano can melt the hearts of chocoholics around the world remains to be seen. "Generally speaking, low-calorie products, particularly those in more indulgent parts of the market, like chocolate, have become increasingly popular in recent years — and that popularity will only grow, especially as the global economy moves out of recession and into recovery," says Dean Best, executive director of Just-Food, a U.K.-based news and information website for the global food industry. "Consequently, Barry Callebaut's industrial customers will be intrigued by this latest piece of innovation. But Vulcano's success will ultimately depend on whether these customers really believe this no-melt chocolate will tantalize the taste buds of chocolate lovers."

Foods and Softs Outlook - July 24, 2009

Friday, July 24, 2009

by

CRB Research Team of Commodity Research Bureau

Foods and Softs Outlook - An Excerpt from CRB'S Futures Market Service

COFFEE—Sep Nybot Arabica coffee prices rebounded up to a 1-month high from their recent 3-month low. Bullish factors include (1) the Brazilian government buying 2 mln bags of coffee from local farmers to boost prices, which may reduce the amount of coffee available for export, and (2) ICO’s cut in its global coffee output estimate for the year ending Sep 30 to 128.8 mln bags from a prior forecast of 133.4 mln bags. Bearish factors include (1) speculation Brazil’s 2009-10 coffee harvest may reach 43.5 mln bags, the highest off-year output since 1987-88, and (2) the +27% y/y rise in Jun Brazil coffee exports to 2.34 mln bags. Large specs as of Jul 14 sharply cut their moderate to a small long position of 6,576. USDA coffee summary: 2009-10 world coffee production 127.4 mln bags (-5.5% vs 2008-09’s record 134.8 mln bags); 2009-10 world ending stocks at 35.3 mln bags (-12% vs 2008-09’s 40.1 mln bags).

[pic]

COCOA—Sep cocoa prices surged to a 10-3/4 month high. Bullish factors include (1) improved demand after Q2 North American cocoa bean grindings fell -6.8%, better than the -13% decline in Q1, and (2) a weaker dollar that benefits most commodity prices. Bearish factors include (1) ICO’s hike in its forecast for a 150,000 MT global cocoa surplus for 2010, up from an Apr estimate of 100,000 MT, (2) ICO’s prediction that global cocoa-bean grindings may drop -6.5% in the yr ending Sep, the biggest fall since records began in 1960-61, and (3) slack demand after Q2 European cocoa bean grindings fell -11% y/y, to near a 5-yr low. Large specs as of Jul 14 held a moderate long position of 17,176.

[pic]

Now, camel milk chocolate set to hit world markets!

Hindu - ‎Jul 22, 2009‎

Dubai (PTI): Forget cow's or goat's milk -- the world's first chocolate made out of camel milk from Dubai is all set to go on sale around the world.

The company behind the chocolate, called Al Nassma -- after the Arabic word for a cool desert breeze, said it wanted to be "the Godiva of the Middle East" and is also in talks to expand into Arab markets, Japan, Europe and the United States.

Founded and owned by Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, Al Nassma company was formally established in October last year and in partnership with Austria's Manner, it manufactures the end product at its Dubai facility.

"Although camel milk is produced in many countries in the Middle East and North Africa, only Dubai has a facility which enables chocolate makers to produce a quality product.

"We aim to be the Godiva of the Middle East. It's a luxury product, so we will never be in supermarkets. The plan is to be in one mall in each UAE city," Martin Van Almsick, the General Manager, was quoted by the media as saying.

Although a traditional staple for the Bedouin, camel milk is not produced on a large scale. There are currently two camel farms in the country and fresh camel milk is still very much a niche product.

All chocolates are produced without preservatives or chemical additives with a range of locally popular spices, nuts, honey -- which comes from Yemen -- and vanilla from Madagascar, according to the company.

"Camels' milk is seen as healthier than cows' milk, containing five times more vitamin C, less fat, less lactose and more insulin, making it a good option for diabetics and the lactose intolerant," Van Almsick said.

Askinosie Chocolate Store Opens in Singapore This Week--Askinosie Chocolate Satay Anyone?

An Askinosie Chocolate branded store will open in the Great World City shopping center in Singapore this week. This is the first Askinosie Chocolate store to open outside of the original retail store at the factory location in Springfield, MO.

Springfield, MO (PRWEB) July 25, 2009 -- Askinosie Chocolate's distributor in Singapore, Trendspot, is opening an exclusive Askinosie Chocolate boutique in the Great World City shopping center in Singapore this week. The boutique carries all of the Askinosie Chocolate products and even displays some authentic items from the original Askinosie Chocolate store in Springfield, Missouri. The boutique is not a franchise but will be using the Askinosie Chocolate brand; this new store will be the Singaporean flagship. This is the first Askinosie Chocolate store other than the retail storefront at the factory location in Springfield, Missouri.

Trendspot had been distributing Askinosie Chocolate products in Singapore for over a year when owner, Benny Low, approached Shawn Askinosie, founder and chocolate maker, with the idea of opening an Askinosie Chocolate boutique. Low is most excited about being able to share "real dark chocolate" with the people of Singapore:

"Opening the Askinosie Chocolate boutique was just an 'I have to do it' sort of thing. In Singapore, we are pampered… very few people know the difference between traceable single origin and cocoa mass; very few people know there are poor cocoa farmers out there who are being exploited. But this chocolate is different-- it's the way dark chocolate should be. This is what I hope to share with chocolate lovers here: something of value and something meaningful."

Askinosie Chocolate is a small batch chocolate manufacturer located in Springfield, Missouri, sourcing 100% of their beans directly from the farmers. Shawn Askinosie, founder and chocolate maker (and frequent guest on Fox Business Network), travels to regions of Mexico, Ecuador and the Philippines to work directly with the farmers and source cocoa beans for his chocolate. This allows the chocolate to be traced to the source and labeled Authentic Single Origin Chocolate. It also enables Askinosie Chocolate to profit share with the farmers, giving them a Stake In the Outcome™. The Askinosie Chocolate mission is to serve their farmers, their neighborhood, their customers and each other; sharing the Askinosie Chocolate experience by leaving the world a better place than they found it.

Stanbic Bank To Support Cocoa Purchasing Firms

Ghanaian Times - ‎Jul 22, 2009‎

By Times Reporter

International Finance Corpora-tion (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, will provide a $30 million guarantee facility to Stanbic Bank Ghana Limited to help it increase financing to companies that pur-chase cocoa from small farmers in Ghana.

Stanbic Ghana has been identified as the country’s fastest-growing bank.

It is the only bank that moved to tier one bank category in the latest Price Waterhouse Cooper Banking Survey commissioned by Ghana Association of Bankers.

Among other clients, it finances Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) that procure cocoa from farmers on behalf of the Ghana Cocoa Board.

Stanbic said in a statement yesterday that the increased financing will enable the LBCs and other purchasing firms to improve their financial management, reduce the overall cost of financing the procurement of cocoa beans, and result in an increased volume of cocoa purchased from farmers.

“IFC’s guarantee facility will help Stanbic Ghana meet the growing funding needs of the Bank’s clients in the cocoa subsector and enable them to adequately prepare for the coming crop season,” said Alhassan Andani, Stanbic Ghana’s Managing Director.

“This facility is a vote of confidence in Stanbic Ghana’s cocoa sector lending programme.”

“Supporting the cocoa sector in Ghana and other West African countries is a priority for IFC.

The sector has the potential to create significant rural employment and generate income,” said Oscar Chemerinski, IFC Director for Global Agribusiness Department.

The IFC creates opportunity for people to escape poverty and improve their lives.

It fosters sustainable economic growth in developing countries by supporting private sector development, mobilising private capital, and providing advisory and risk mitigation services to businesses and governments.

Its new investments totalled $16.2 billion in fiscal 2008, a 34 per cent increase over the previous year.

Stanbic Bank Ghana Limited is a member of the Standard Bank Group, a large banking group rooted in Africa and reaching out to all corners of the world.

The bank offers a wide range of financial products and services in personal, business, corporate, and investment banking.

It proactively provides solutions for its clients through creative people and effective technology and comes up with a solution for every banking need.

In Ghana, the bank operates 21 branches located in Accra and other regional capitals.

Starbucks and Hershey's end partnership to offer premium chocolate

- ‎Jul 23, 2009‎

Starbucks premium Mocha Dark ChocolateHershey said Thursday that will no longer market the Starbucks brand of premium chocolate reported . Not only are consumers spending less on specialty coffee during this recession, but it appears they’re spending less on high-end chocolate as well.

Starbucks and Hershey announced their partnership to offer a premium chocolate back in 2007. The goal was to have expert chocolatiers develop “products that translate Starbucks coffee-house flavors into delicious and distinct chocolate products” according to a July press release. But the timing was bad because the economy started to turn soon after.

During a Thursday conference call, Hershey Chief Executive David West stated,

The timing of the launch of the Starbucks proposition, frankly, we just missed the window. Our partner obviously had some other business challenges and the consumer at that price point wasn't sustainable."

The one positive coming out of the Hershey / Starbucks relationship was the further development of Starbucks Cocoa Practices. The Cocoa Practices were developed based on the foundation of Starbucks C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity) Practices, the Company's ethical coffee sourcing guidelines. The program is designed to evaluate and recognize producers of high-quality, sustainably grown cocoa. To become a Cocoa Practices supplier, farmers, processors and exporters must meet minimum requirements and demonstrate best practices which are subject to independent verification under the guidelines. Hershey and Starbucks worked together to pilot a two-year program and implement these practices.

Even with the end of the Starbucks partnership, hopefully, Hershey will continue its commitment to promoting sustainable cocoa farming.

Malaysia Agribusiness Report Q3 2009

Malaysia Agribusiness Report Q3 2009 - new market report just published

2009-07-23 17:57:02 - Malaysia Agribusiness Report Q3 2009 - a new market research report on

Summary-Market-Report/malaysia-agrib ..

While the agricultural sector will not be as hard hit as other sectors, such as manufacturing, in the current downturn, falling demand for some of Malaysia´s key agricultural exports like rubber and palm oil will see the value of the sector fall.

As Malaysia´s economy contracts this year and jobs are lost in the cities, the agricultural sector will see an influx of new workers this year as laid-off employees return to their villages. The agriculture ministry has launched a programme offering low-interest loans to new entrants into the sector to begin small-scale production.

Despite the myriad distractions posed by the economic downturn and political difficulties currently being faced by the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO)-led coalition, support for the agricultural sector will remain strong under the new Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Government interest in improving productivity in the sector was boosted by the ´food crisis´ of 2008 as the cost of Malaysia´s key food imports of rice and corn soared. The crisis also moved the focus more onto food production and away from Malaysia´s stronger sectors of rubber and palm oil.

While the food self-sufficiency worries of last year could easily be overshadowed by the current woes of the important export sector, the government´s need to sure up its support should see interest in the sector continue. The UNMO´s Barisan Nasional (National Front) coalition is seeing the toughest challenge yet to its monopoly on power and Prime Minister Najib knows that he needs to keep his base among ethnic Malays on side.

It seems likely that more funding will be given to agriculture this year following the allocation of an extra MYR5.6bn to improving food security in February by the previous prime minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. The 10th Malaysia Plan, beginning in 2011, will also provide more funds to agriculture.

Though food security has been the main issue for the agriculture ministry of late, the Malaysian International Cocoa Fair held in May brought focus onto Malaysia´s cocoa sector. Malaysian cocoa bean production has plummeted over the past couple of decades, falling from almost 250,000 tonnes at the start of the 1990s to under 30,000 tonnes last year. This has been driven mainly by producers, particularly large estates, switching to oil palms which are hardier and have offered better returns.

While primary production has been plummeting, Malaysia´s cocoa grinders have been growing from strength to strength and in 2008 the country imported 523,926 tonnes of cocoa beans. The imbalance between Malaysia´s valuable grinding industry and its increasingly insignificant domestic cocoa bean production is causing worries within the industry. Indonesia, Malaysia´s chief supplier of cocoa beans, was last year hit by a devastating disease outbreak, increasing concern about security of the imports needed to fuel Malaysia´s cocoa processing.

While the grindings sector will suffer in 2009 as the worldwide recession causes demand for chocolate to fall, we expect cocoa bean production to begin to see a turnaround. There is little chance of the large cocoa estates being re-established, but the government, through the Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB), has been encouraging smallholders to move into cocoa growing. Subsidies are on offer for new or rejuvenated cocoa plantations and the MCB has been implementing programmes to improve productivity through training and the distribution of high-yielding plants.

While any recovery will undoubtedly be slow, and production is unlikely to see again the heights of 20 years ago, it looks like Malaysian cocoa production will be saved from dwindling down to nothing.

Labour Issues

Environmental Issues

. Fair Trade Chocolate Hits the Mainstream

GreenBiz - Sarah Terry-Cobo - ‎Jul 22, 2009‎

By Sarah Terry-Cobo

OAKLAND, Calif. -- An announcement from a major chocolatier is giving social justice advocates something to smile about. Cadbury proclaimed its popular Dairy Milk chocolate bar sold in the U.K. will now contain 100 percent Fair Trade certified cocoa, harvested sustainably from farms in Ghana.

Fair Trade certification is similar to organic certification in that it is verified by a third party and ensures that environmentally sustainable farming practices are employed. In addition, the Fair Trade system emphasizes a minimum price guarantee and other economic and social benefits, such as ensuring the workers receive a living wage, and a portion of the profits are invested in community development projects including building schools, roads or water wells.

The company reports it will increase the amount of Fair Trade certified cocoa purchased from Ghana to 15,000 metric tons (16,534 tons US), a threefold increase from what the country currently sells, Cadbury said in a statement. This growth in fair trade cocoa production is significant because last year global sales were slightly more than 10,000 metric tons, according to the annual report by the Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International.

The popular Dairy Milk bars will soon be available in more than 30,000 retail outlets, without an increase in price and while maintaining the same taste, the company reports.

Trevor Bond, managing director of Cadbury Britain and Ireland said in a prepared statement that research shows one factor that prevents people from purchasing fair trade products is the perception of higher price.

"This creates a tipping point for Fair Trade with Fair Trade Cadbury Dairy Milk bars available to all, with the same great taste and at no extra cost," Bond said in a statement.

According to Cadbury, the company is investing  £45 million (about $74 million) over the next 10 years to secure sustainably harvested cocoa from Ghana. The Cadbury Cocoa Partnership was developed through the United Nations Development Program.

Cadbury is not the only major chocolatier with sweet news for farmers and fairtrade-hungry shoppers.

Mars, Inc., headquartered in McLean, VA, reports it has contracted its first batch of sustainably harvested cocoa beans, certified by UTZ. Similar to other sustainable certifications, UTZ "helps coffee growers to be more professional and competitive in production and selling, and it enables coffee brands to incorporate and credibly demonstrate responsibility in their entire product range," according to the company's website.

One of the leading chocolate makers in the U.S., Mars announced in April plans to source cocoa for all of its products from sustainably harvested farms by 2020. In addition to working with UTZ Certified cocoa, Mars announced it will source some of its cocoa from suppliers that bear the Rainforest Alliance Certification symbol, which also certifies agricultural crops grown in an environmentally friendly manner.

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In a statement timed to the announcement of Mars’ sustainable cocoa commitment, Paul Rice, President and Chief Executive Officer of TransFair USA said Mars' is proof that consumers want to hold companies accountable for how products are developed and sourced. The Oakland-based non-profit is the only third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in the U.S

"We applaud what Mars is doing and we hope the company isn't done," said Rice in a statement.

"While sustainable farm practices are very important, going forward, we hope Mars will also take a look at ensuring cocoa farmer protection and make a goal of providing a better future for farmers by ensuring that they receive fair wages," Rice continued.

Mainstream access to Fair Trade certified products is important, said Katie Barrow, a representative for TransFair USA, because it allows small producers to access a portion of the market where they are competing against large-scale plantations.

"The more Fair Trade certified products are available and the bigger the demand there is of fair trade, the more producers will feel the impact," Barrow said.

According to Rice, retail sales of certified Fair Trade products has grown to $1 billion in the U.S. In addition, nearly 2,000 metric tons of cocoa were sold in the U.S. last year, almost twice the amount from 2007, according to an annual report by the organization.

Chocolate lovers can feel less guilty after Dairy Milk goes Fairtrade

Telegraph.co.uk - Louise Gray - ‎Jul 21, 2009‎

More than one in seven chocolate bars sold in Britain will be Fairtrade from now on after Cadbury Dairy Milk became the latest big name to sign up to the ethical label.

By Louise Gray, Environment Correspondent

Harriet Lamb, executive director of the Fairtrade Foundation, said people can feel better about eating chocolate Photo: PA

The company decided to source ingredients from producers that pay farmers a fair price some months ago but it is only this week that the new Fairtrade Dairy Milk bars will be available.

Around 300 million bars of Dairy Milk are sold in Britain every year – around 12 per cent of the British chocolate market. Fairtrade chocolate currently makes up a further 3 per cent of sales.

The Fairtrade Foundation welcomed the move as a "milestone" in the movement after other major brands such as PG Tips, Nescafe and McDonald's started using Fairtrade products.

The value of Dairy Milk sales alone will boost overall Fairtrade sales in Britain by 25 per cent from the current level of around £700 million. It will boost sales of Fairtrade chocolate from 3per cent to 15 per cent of British chocolate sales.

In Ghana, where Cadbury sources most of its cocoa, it will effectively triple the amount of cocoa sold under Fairtrade terms from around 5,000 to 15,000 tonnes a year.

Harriet Lamb, executive director of the Fairtrade Foundation, said people can feel better about eating chocolate.

"This is a real milestone for Fairtrade and for cocoa growers in Ghana.

"Cadbury Dairy Milk will create a step change in awareness of Fairtrade here in the UK, while in Ghana it could potentially transform the lives and opportunities for thousands of people in cocoa growing communities.

"From today, lovers of Cadbury Dairy Milk will be able to make their purchase in the knowledge that they are supporting a brighter future for very small-scale cocoa farmers, their families and their villages."

The Cadbury factory in Bournville, Birmingham, has begun churning out 9,000 bars an hour, and should put 300 million on the shelves in a year.

Ghana: Cadbury's Fairtrade Certification to Boost Cocoa Farming

- ‎Jul 24, 2009‎

Cadbury Dairy Milk launched its new Fairtrade-certified chocolate bars on Tuesday July 21, becoming the first mass market chocolate to gain certification from the Fairtrade Foundation. The independent FAIRTRADE Mark appears prominently on the new packaging, and will bring the logo into millions more homes in the UK for the first time.

The Fairtrade Cadbury Dairy Milk bars demonstrates the ongoing commitment by both Cadbury and the Fairtrade Foundation to secure the economic, social and environmental sustainability of cocoa farming communities in Ghana. It builds upon the work of the groundbreaking Cadbury Cocoa Partnership (CCP), which was launched in 2008.

Cadbury has committed to offering the new Fairtrade bar at no extra cost, and with no change to the taste. Research carried out by the Fairtrade Foundation1 revealed that the two biggest barriers to increased purchase of Fairtrade products in the UK are lack of availability or visibility in-store and perceptions of price.

Trevor Bond, MD of Cadbury Britain and Ireland says, "Having announced our intention to achieve Fairtrade certification for our flagship brand, Cadbury Dairy Milk, only a few months ago, it is exciting that these bars are now rolling off the production lines in Bournville. This creates a tipping point for Fairtrade with Fairtrade Cadbury Dairy Milk bars available to all, with the same great taste and at no extra cost. I've seen the new bars and I feel enormous pride that we are the first mainstream confectionery product in the UK to display the FAIRTRADE Mark.

Fairtrade Cadbury Dairy Milk is the start of a new dawn for Fairtrade and for Cadbury. We will continue to work together to explore what else is possible with other brands and in other markets."

Harriet Lamb, Executive Director of the Fairtrade Foundation, says, "This is a real milestone for Fairtrade and for cocoa growers in Ghana. Cadbury Dairy Milk will create a step change in awareness of Fairtrade here in the UK, whilst in Ghana, it could potentially transform the lives and opportunities for thousands of people in cocoa growing communities. From today, lovers of Cadbury Dairy Milk will be able to make their purchase in the knowledge that they are supporting a brighter future for very small scale cocoa farmers, their families and their villages."

In a matter of months, Cadbury has moved from announcing its plans for Fairtrade certification, to manufacturing Fairtrade chocolate. Realising this commitment will accelerate Fairtrade into the mainstream, whilst tripling the amount of cocoa sold under Fairtrade terms in Ghana from approximately 5,000 to 15,000 tonnes.

Cadbury Dairy Milk Fairtrade is part of Cadbury's broader commitment to develop a sustainable business strategy to empower farmers to invest in their land and their communities. Through the Cadbury Cocoa Partnership (CCP), Cadbury is investing 45 million pounds over the next ten years to secure sustainable cocoa farming in Ghana, India, Indonesia and the Caribbean where the cocoa farming industry is facing increasing challenges. So far, the CCP's partnership model with charities and NGOs on the ground in Ghana has achieved the following:

• A Ghana board has been set up with power to make CCP decisions there and includes partners at grass roots level who know and understand their communities needs

• Through grass roots partnerships with Care, VSO and World Vision, the Cadbury Cocoa Partnership is now active in 100 Ghanaian communities

• Last year alone, Cadbury built a well a day in Ghanaian communities - 365 wells which help families and children spend time on education and health programmes instead of digging for water

• Cadbury estimate that by 2018, through today's announcements and the CCP, it will have made a demonstrable difference to the lives of around half a million farmers in Cadbury's cocoa markets.

The new packaging for the Fairtrade Cadbury Dairy Milk bars will also contain the London 2012 Olympics logo, to reflect Cadbury's sponsorship of the Games. (Footnotes)

Research & Development

Wanted: Women to eat chocolate for a year

(AFP) – Jul 23, 2009

LONDON — Scientists are looking for women willing to eat chocolate every day for a year -- all in the name of medical science.

Researchers at the University of East Anglia and a hospital in Norwich, eastern England are trying to find out whether chocolate can cut the risk of heart disease and need 40 women to step forward and help.

Most of the women will have to eat two bars of "super-strength chocolate specially formulated by Belgian chocolatiers" daily for one year and undergo several tests to measure how healthy their hearts are.

The others will have to eat regular chocolate as a placebo.

One possible catch, for chocolate fans spotting an opportunity: volunteers for the research should be menopausal but aged under 75 and have type two diabetes.

Study coordinator Peter Curtis said: "A successful outcome could be the first step in developing new ways to improve the lives of people at increased risk of heart disease."

Chocolate heaven – low fat and it doesn’t melt

Times Online - ‎Jul 25, 2009‎

Chris Gourlay

IT could be the perfect summer chocolate. Swiss scientists say they have stumbled upon the formula for a chocolate which doesn’t melt in your hands — while also being ultra low fat.

The Zurich-based firm Barry Callebaut claims its Vulcano chocolate can withstand heat up to 55C, nearly double the temperature at which normal chocolate melts, while containing 90% fewer calories.

Vulcano will be sold as an ingredient to confectionary giants such as Nestlé and Cadbury’s, meaning anti-melt and low-calorie versions of household brands such as Kit Kat and Dairy Milk could go on sale within two years.

Although the firm is keeping the formula secret, experts believe its scientists may have substituted some cocoa butter — which is fatty and melts at about 30C — with starch. Previous attempts at creating melt-proof chocolates have resulted in unappealing, rock-hard bars.

“Like many great discoveries, our engineers actually stumbled upon the technique by accident,” said a spokeswoman for Barry Callebaut, the world’s largest chocolatier. She added that the texture is “more crispy than creamy”.

The firm has dropped clues to the technique by revealing that the chocolate melts as a result of contact with enzymes in saliva, rather than the warmth of our mouths.

Steve Cadwallader, a British food consultant, said that the reaction with enzymes suggests that starches may have been added to the chocolate.

“The enzymes in saliva act on starch in the same way that they act on bread and cause the food to dissolve and release the fats and flavours,” said Cadwallader. “Starches would also lead to the ‘crunchy’ feel.

“It is interesting that Callebaut claim they have maintained the full flavour even though they have reduced cocoa butter. It’s the food technologists’ holy grail.”

Promotion

Free chocolate from Mars on Friday

KATU - Jennifer Meacham - ‎Jul 24, 2009‎

By Jennifer Meacham

It's free "real chocolate" Friday for the first 250,000 who sign up with Mars International's giveaway site.

Tools

It's free "real chocolate" Friday for candy-bar maker Mars International. Until Sept. 25, the first 250,000 people who register at the Mars' giveaway site every Friday get free candy bar coupons.

Each household can get up to four coupons, though only one per Friday. Coupons mailed as a postcard and are redeemable for one regular-size package of any M&M, Milky Way, Snickers, 3 Musketeers, Twix or Dove branded chocolate up to 75 cents. Not a big prize, but a free treat nonetheless.

Meanwhile, registrants also can vote (up to 5 times per IP address) for one of the eligible metropolitan areas in the United States, including Bend, Eugene, Klamath Falls, Medford and Portland in Oregon. (Southwest Washington cities are apparently not eligible.) The city receiving the most votes between now and Aug. 31 will have 50,000 chocolate bars delivered to "a central place." The city winner will be announced on the site by Sept. 8.

Mars Chocolate to Use Only Certified Cocoa by 2020

Source: Reuters

New York, July 21 - Mars Inc, a privately held U.S. chocolate maker, said Tuesday it signed a contract this week to buy its first certified beans from a harvest later this year, a move toward its longer-term goal to use sustainably grown cocoa for all of its chocolate by 2020. In a press release, the McLean, Virginia-based candy maker also said it would purchase 100,000 tonnes of UTZ Certified cocoa annually by 2020.

UTZ Certified has become the leading standard for ethically grown coffee and is now developing a certification and traceability program for sustainable cocoa and tea.

In April, Mars also committed to purchasing another 100,000 tonnes of cocoa from Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa farms.

Mars said it is working with certifying partners, such as UTZ and Rainforest Alliance, cocoa farming communities, cocoa sector governments and national institutes to increase sustainable farming practices and certified cocoa supplies. "We invite the entire cocoa industry to work towards the broad adoption of sustainable cocoa farming practices," said Grant Reid, Mars Global Chocolate president.

Mars will continue to work with certifying organizations like UTZ Certified and the Rainforest Alliance to achieve its 2020 goal of using entirely certified, sustainably grown cocoa, the company said.

Ode to chocolates

Malaysia Star - ‎Jul 25, 2009‎

SINCE it was introduced to Europe in the 16th century, and from there to the rest of the world, chocolate has become so entrenched in people’s lives that it is now not just seen as food but also as an important economic and cultural product. In countries that produce the cacao beans, from which chocolate is extracted, people’s livelihood depends on it.

In some others, the imagery of chocolate has been used in creative works such as books and films. Two that come to mind are Like Water For Chocolate (a 1989 Laura Esquivel novel that was later turned into a film in 1993), and Chocolat, a 2000 movie starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp.

And it has even been taken up as names, like English pop group Hot Chocolate, and India-based hotel group, Chocolate Hotels.

Some historical facts (from Wikipedia): Archaeological evidence indicates that the earliest use of cacao was as an alcoholic beverage. The Aztecs of South America associated chocolate with Xochiquetzal, the goddess of fertility. Chocolate was consumed in a bitter, spicy drink called xocoltl, often seasoned with vanilla, chilli pepper, and achiote (food colouring).

It wasn’t until the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs that chocolate could be imported to Europe, where it quickly became a court favourite. The first recorded shipment to Europe for commercial purposes was in a shipment from Veracruz to Sevilla in 1585. It was still served as a beverage, but the Europeans added sugar and milk to counteract the natural bitterness and removed the chilli pepper, replacing it with another Mexican indigenous spice, vanilla.

By the second half of the seventeenth century, chocolate was introduced into England. The first chocolate house opened in London in 1657. In 1689, noted physician and collector Hans Sloane developed a milk chocolate drink in Jamaica which was initially used by apothecaries, but later sold to the Cadbury brothers.

And then there are the numerous quotable quotes which almost always bring a smile to anyone who reads them. Following are a sample:

➢ Chocolate is cheaper than therapy and you don’t need an appointment.

➢ Eating chocolate can have significant influences on mood, generally leading to an increase in pleasant feelings and a reduction in tension. – Peter Rogers, Ph.D., Institute of Food Research

➢ When no one understands you, chocolate is there.

➢ The superiority of chocolate, both for health and nourishment, will soon give it the same preference over tea and coffee in America which it has in Spain. – Thomas Jefferson

➢ Momma always said life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get. – Forrest Gump

➢ Chocolate makes everyone smile – even bankers. – Ben Strohecker, chocolatier

➢ If they don’t have chocolate in heaven, I ain’t going.

➢ Save the Earth! (It’s the only planet with chocolate.)

TIT BITS

(Source: Business Recorder – )

Commodity prices rebound

LONDON (July 26, 2009): Commodity markets rebounded last week on expectations that the US economy will haul itself out of recession and spur demand for raw materials. Upbeat US company results and rising home sales fuelled optimism that the world's biggest energy consuming nation may soon emerge from the downturn. "Commodity index returns have continued their upward march over the past week," said Deutsche Bank research analyst Michael Lewis.

Cameroon cocoa exports up

YAOUNDE (July 26, 2009): Cameroon exported 173,992 tonnes of cocoa beans in the first 11 months of the 2008-09 season, up 9.6 percent on the same period last year, National cocoa and Coffee Board (NCCB) figures showed on Friday. The data, which was confirmed by the cocoa and Coffee Interprofessional Board (CCIB), showed that Cameroon exported 4,635 tonnes of beans in June compared to 3,681 tonnes in May.

Sugar and cocoa jump in London

LONDON (July 25, 2009): Raw sugar futures hit fresh three-year peaks on Friday on expectations of larger Indian imports, while cocoa edged up and arabica coffee eased. October white sugar closed $5 up at $479.90 a tonne, in sympathy with raws which traded around three-year peaks on expectations of strong Indian import demand.

US MIDDAY: sugar at fresh high, coffee down

NEW YORK (July 25, 2009): Summaries of the ICE Futures US cocoa, coffee and sugar markets. September arabica coffee contract dropped 0.30 cent to $1.2425 per lb at 11:02 am EDT (1502 GMT). Session range from $1.2365 to $1.254. Profit-taking leads to small losses in the market, said traders. October raw sugar contract gained 0.16 cent at 18.42 cents per lb at 11:03 am.

London cocoa rallies sharply; sugar and coffee up

LONDON (July 24, 2009): December cocoa settled 67 pounds higher at 1,835 pounds a tonne on index fund and investor buying and short covering, dealers said on Thursday. Raw sugar futures touched three-year peaks on Thursday on prospects that India may boost imports, while ICE cocoa rallied 5 percent on short covering and fund buying, and coffee rose on a soft dollar.

US MIDDAY: coffee, sugar and cocoa jump

NEW YORK (July 24, 2009): Summaries of the ICE Futures US cocoa, coffee and sugar markets during midday trade on Thursday. September arabica coffee contract climbed 3.85 cents to $1.2395 per lb by 11:00 am EDT (1500 GMT). Session range from $1.1965 to $1.2425. Weaker dollar and short-covering power market rally, said traders.

US MIDDAY: coffee and cocoa slide; sugar up

NEW YORK (July 23, 2009): Summaries of the ICE Futures US cocoa, coffee and sugar markets early on Wednesday. September arabica coffee contract dove 3.20 cents to $1.193 per lb at 11:02 am EDT (1502 GMT). Session range from $1.1635 to $1.233. Investor liquidation deflates market, said traders.

London cocoa slides

LONDON (July 23, 2009): London cocoa futures plunged over 4 percent on Wednesday as longs liquidated positions in a technical correction, traders said. Sugar futures were little changed, with raws seen braced for a fresh rally spurred by expectations of strong Indian import demand, while coffee fell pressured by a firm dollar.

London coffee dips; sugar and cocoa consolidate

LONDON (July 22, 2009): Robusta coffee futures fell on origin selling on Tuesday, while sugar and cocoa consolidated as traders took stock of a Reuters television interview in which two analysts said raw sugar could scale new peaks. Robustas dropped on producer selling and on a chart-led correction to Monday's strong performance, dealers said.

US MIDDAY: coffee, sugar and cocoa up

NEW YORK (July 22, 2009): Summaries of the ICE Futures US cocoa, coffee and sugar markets early on Tuesday. September arabica coffee contract up 0.85 cent at $1.2315 per lb at 11 am EDT (1500 GMT). Session range from $1.211 to $1.235. Arabica futures gain on buying by speculative accounts, said traders.

London cocoa, sugar and coffee rally

LONDON (July 21, 2009): cocoa, sugar and coffee futures rallied on Monday on a weak dollar and stronger oil prices, with ICE cocoa surging to a 5-month peak on likely system fund buying on the back of better-than-expected North American grind data. December cocoa settled 36 pounds higher at 1,818 pounds a tonne, having touched a 15-week high of 1,840 pounds a tonne earlier, as traders responded to better-than-expected North American grind data.

US MIDDAY: cocoa, coffee and sugar rise

NEW YORK (July 21, 2009): Summaries of the ICE Futures US cocoa, coffee and sugar markets early on Monday. September arabica coffee up 1.80 cents at $1.205 per lb at 11:01 am EDT (1501 GMT). Session range from $1.188 to $1.208. Arabica futures push higher on investor short-covering, said traders.

Ivory Coast cocoa rigion rains ease, concern remains

ABIDJAN (July 21, 2009): Rains eased in some of Ivory Coast's main cocoa growing regions last week, reversing a recent trend which has encouraged the spread of disease and damaged bean quality, farmers said on Monday. In the centre-western region of Daloa, which produces a quarter of national output in the world's biggest grower, farmers reported two light rains which they said would be good for the growth of small pods.

25 reasons to take cocoa products

1. Loaded with more than 300 chemically identifiable compounds

2. Reduces blood pressure

3. Lowers cholesterol

4. Improves insulin levels

5. Contributes to weight loss

6. Loaded with antioxidants

7. Contains fiber

8. Cleanses and detoxifies

9. Strengthens blood vessels

10. Builds cells

11. Supplies crucial minerals

12. Scavenges free radicals

13. Helps fight cancer

14. Fights cellular mutation

15. Restores antioxidant power

16. Strengthens memory

17. Filled with essential oils

18. Strengthens the heart

19. Inhibits platelet formation

20. Boosts sense of well being

21. Rich in fiber and iron

22. Fights dental decay

23. Tastes great

24. Boost sex appetite (Aphrodisiac)

25. Provides energy

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Issue No. 345 20th - 24th July 2009

Inside THIS ISSE:

UP-COMING EVENTS IN THIS ISSUE

• The 2nd Victor Iyama Cocoa Lecture, September 3, 2009 in Akure, Southwest Nigeria. Special presentation By Her Excellency, Erelu Olusola Obada, Deputy Governor of Osun State. "Making Poverty Reduction Work: The Role of Cocoa in Sustainable Development"

• 72nd General Assembly and Council of Ministers Meetings, Lomé, Togo, 7 – 11 September 2009

• 16th International Cocoa Research Conference, Hyatt Hotel, Nusa Dua, Denpasar, Bali – Indonesia , 16 - 21 November 2009

• LONDON (LIFFE) FUTURES MARKET UPDATE

• NEW YORK (ICE) FUTURES MARKET UPDATE

• FROM THE NEWS MEDIA

• TIT BITS

Do your health a favour, drink Cocoa everyday

‘It’s nature’s miracle food’

Processing & Manufacturing

Business and Economy

Business and Economy

Others

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