COPAL COCOA Info



COPAL COCOA Info A Weekly Newsletter of Cocoa Producers' Alliance

| Health and Nutrition |Business & Economy |

|Cocoa can boost your fibre intake |ADM launches Extreme Dark Cocoa Powders |

|Cocoa extracts may benefit cholesterol levels: Study |Ivorian cocoa arrivals seen at 1,128,000 T by May 29 |

|Delicious Health - New Chocolate Tea from California Tea House |Australian Mars Bars now Rainforest Alliance certified |

|High blood cholesterol? Drink cocoa |Cargill receives first North American Shipment of UTZ CERTIFIED |

| |Chocolate Liquor |

|Production and Quality |Cocoa tax encourages Industry: Association |

|Ghana cocoa main crop tops 900,000 T: Cocobod |Cargill completes acquisition of German Chocolate Business |

|Heavy rain could hurt Ivory Coast cocoa quality |Cargill pushes growth in German cocoa market |

|Cameroon cocoa production hits new season record |In search of the best cacao in Peru |

|Cocoa Supplies to outpace demand by 187,000 Tons, ICCO Says |Petra's Long-Term Prospects Looking Good |

|Nigeria’s Cocoa Exports Climbed 47% Last Year, Akingbola Says | |

| |Labour Issues |

|The Market | |

| | |

| |Environmental Issue |

|Processing & Manufacturing | |

| | |

| |Research & Development |

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| |Promotion & Consumption |

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| |Others |

In the News (from Newspapers worldwide)

ICCO Daily Cocoa Prices

| |ICCO Daily Price |ICCO Daily price |London futures |New York futures |

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

| | | | | |

|30th May |0 |0 |0 |0 |

| | | | | |

|31st May |1897.6 |3037.63 |1863.33 |3019.67 |

| | | | | |

|1st June |1868.52 |2989.21 |1838.67 |2972.67 |

| | | | | |

|2nd June |1832.73 |2939.26 |1819.33 |2916.00 |

| | | | | |

|3rd June |1823.12 |2924.56 |1801.67 |2902.67 |

| | | | | |

|Average |1484.00 |2378.00 |1465.00 |2362.00 |

International Financial Futures and Options Exchange (LIFFE)

London Futures Market – Summary of Trading Activities

(£ per tone)

|Monday |30th May |2011 |  |  |  |  |

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

|Jul  2011 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

|Sep  2011 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

|Dec  2011 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

|Mar  2012 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

|May  2012 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

|Jul-12 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

|Sep-12 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

|Dec  2012 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

|Mar  2013 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

|May  2013 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

|Average/Totals |  |#DIV/0! |  |  |  |0 |

|Tuesday |31st May |2011 |  |  |  |  |

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

|Jul  2011 |1816 |1840 |27 |1846 |1810S |7,582 |

|Sep  2011 |1836 |1861 |25 |1865S |1834S |3,515 |

|Dec  2011 |1874 |1889 |25 |1892S |1865S |1,959 |

|Mar  2012 |1892 |1913 |22 |1915 |1891S |1,082 |

|May  2012 |1908 |1920 |16 |1923 |1904S |95 |

|Jul-12 |1917 |1927 |15 |1926 |1917 |6 |

|Sep-12 |1919 |1930 |16 |1919 |1919 |13 |

|Dec  2012 |1935 |1946 |17 |1935 |1935 |12 |

|Mar  2013 |1936 |1949 |16 |1947 |1936 |116 |

|May  2013 |  |1951 |16 |  |  |0 |

|Average/Totals |  |1913 |  |  |  |14,380 |

|Wednesday |1st June |2011 |  |  |  |  |

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

|Jul  2011 |1837 |1814 |-26 |1844 |1809 |6,566 |

|Sep  2011 |1857 |1837 |-24 |1864S |1833S |3,676 |

|Dec  2011 |1889 |1865 |-24 |1890 |1861S |1,182 |

|Mar  2012 |1911 |1888 |-25 |1913S |1885 |777 |

|May  2012 |1919 |1897 |-23 |1919S |1900 |39 |

|Jul-12 |1923 |1902 |-25 |1923S |1923S |5 |

|Sep-12 |1920 |1905 |-25 |1920S |1920S |5 |

|Dec  2012 |1947 |1919 |-27 |1947 |1947 |1,000 |

|Mar  2013 |  |1922 |-27 |  |  |0 |

|May  2013 |  |1924 |-27 |  |  |0 |

|Average/Totals |  |1887 |  |  |  |13,250 |

|Thursday |2nd June |2011 |  |  |  |  |

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

|Jul  2011 |1814 |1796 |-18 |1824 |1795 |4,112 |

|Sep  2011 |1837 |1817 |-20 |1844S |1815 |2,033 |

|Dec  2011 |1863 |1845 |-20 |1867S |1843S |717 |

|Mar  2012 |1890 |1868 |-20 |1890 |1865 |830 |

|May  2012 |1893 |1878 |-19 |1896S |1876S |147 |

|Jul-12 |1890 |1885 |-17 |1890 |1885S |52 |

|Sep-12 |  |1890 |-15 |  |  |0 |

|Dec  2012 |  |1900 |-19 |  |  |0 |

|Mar  2013 |  |1903 |-19 |  |  |0 |

|May  2013 |  |1905 |-19 |  |  |0 |

|Average/Totals |  |1869 |  |  |  |7,891 |

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

|Jul  2011 |1796 |1779 |-17 |1797 |1771 |5,288 |

|Sep  2011 |1812 |1800 |-17 |1815 |1790 |5,743 |

|Dec  2011 |1841 |1826 |-19 |1842S |1819S |1,825 |

|Mar  2012 |1863 |1848 |-20 |1863S |1840 |3,027 |

|May  2012 |1863 |1861 |-17 |1878S |1853S |109 |

|Jul-12 |1875 |1867 |-18 |1875 |1865 |45 |

|Sep-12 |1875 |1873 |-17 |1875 |1875 |58 |

|Dec  2012 |1900 |1884 |-16 |1900 |1900 |28 |

|Mar  2013 |1885 |1882 |-21 |1895 |1883S |89 |

|May  2013 |  |1884 |-21 |  |  |0 |

|Average/Totals |  |1850 |  |  |  |

|  |  |  |  |  |51,733 |

New York Board of Trade

(New York Futures Market – Summary of Trading Activities)

(US$ per tone)

|Monday |30th May |2011 |  |  |  |  |

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

|Jul  2011 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

|Sep  2011 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

|Dec  2011 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

|Mar  2012 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

|May  2012 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

|Jul  2012 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

|Sep  2012 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

|Dec  2012 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

|Mar  2013 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

|Average/Totals |  |#DIV/0! |  |  |  |0 |

|Tuesday |31st May |2011 |  |  |  |  |

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

|Jul  2011 |2975 |2999 |30 |3020 |2966 |10,823 |

|Sep  2011 |2985 |3013 |32 |3031 |2980 |5,436 |

|Dec  2011 |3013 |3040 |33 |3052 |3013 |708 |

|Mar  2012 |3073 |3101 |34 |3110 |3069 |376 |

|May  2012 |3092 |3099 |33 |3092 |3092 |140 |

|Jul  2012 |3090 |3094 |33 |3090 |3090 |182 |

|Sep  2012 |3076 |3096 |40 |3088 |3076 |127 |

|Dec  2012 |3095 |3115 |47 |3095 |3095 |61 |

|Mar  2013 |0 |3155 |72 |0 |0 |1 |

|Average/Totals |  |3079 |  |  |  |17854 |

|Wednesday |1st June |2011 |  |  |  |  |

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

|Jul  2011 |2999 |2953 |-46 |3007 |2941 |12,827 |

|Sep  2011 |3015 |2968 |-45 |3020 |2957 |7,861 |

|Dec  2011 |3055 |3000 |-40 |3055 |2994 |963 |

|Mar  2012 |3096 |3058 |-43 |3097 |3052 |1,266 |

|May  2012 |3090 |3056 |-43 |3094 |3058 |586 |

|Jul  2012 |3081 |3052 |-42 |3081 |3051 |293 |

|Sep  2012 |3081 |3049 |-47 |3081 |3045 |720 |

|Dec  2012 |3046 |3048 |-67 |3046 |3046 |91 |

|Mar  2013 |0 |3063 |-92 |0 |0 |3 |

|May  2013 |0 |3083 |0 |0 |0 |0 |

|Average/Totals |  |3033 |  |  |  |24610 |

|Thursday |2nd June |2011 |  |  |  |  |

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

|Jul  2011 |2953 |2904 |-49 |2959 |2885 |13,875 |

|Sep  2011 |2957 |2919 |-49 |2975 |2899 |9,988 |

|Dec  2011 |2994 |2951 |-49 |3000 |2932 |1,272 |

|Mar  2012 |3051 |3010 |-48 |3051 |2989 |707 |

|May  2012 |3050 |3009 |-47 |3053 |2991 |259 |

|Jul  2012 |3042 |3005 |-47 |3042 |2993 |26 |

|Sep  2012 |2989 |3000 |-49 |3000 |2989 |101 |

|Dec  2012 |3029 |2997 |-51 |3029 |2982 |92 |

|Mar  2013 |3043 |3012 |-51 |3043 |3043 |1,004 |

|May  2013 |0 |3032 |-51 |0 |0 |0 |

|Average/Totals |  |2984 |  |  |  |27324 |

|Friday |3rd June |2011 |  |  |  |  |

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

|Jul  2011 |2900 |2878 |-26 |2905 |2851 |15,795 |

|Sep  2011 |2912 |2894 |-25 |2920 |2868 |12,173 |

|Dec  2011 |2936 |2927 |-24 |2950 |2900 |1,650 |

|Mar  2012 |3010 |2982 |-28 |3010 |2958 |368 |

|May  2012 |3000 |2978 |-31 |3000 |2960 |107 |

|Jul  2012 |2996 |2977 |-28 |2996 |2952 |56 |

|Sep  2012 |2972 |2974 |-26 |2972 |2972 |17 |

|Dec  2012 |2950 |2974 |-23 |2950 |2950 |116 |

|Mar  2013 |0 |2991 |-21 |0 |0 |112 |

|May  2013 |0 |3011 |-21 |0 |0 |0 |

|Average/Totals |  |2959 |  |  |  |30394 |

|Average for the week |2959 |  |  |  |5526 |

|  |  |  |  |  |5526 |

News

Health and Nutrit

Cocoa can boost your fibre intake

Irish Independent

May 30 2011

We associate fibre with chomping vegetables but if you make your own home-made smoothies or buy one to drink at home there is a pleasant way to bulk it up.

Add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder -- it has 2g of fibre plus it contains less saturated fat than dark chocolate bars and none of the added sugars.

Cocoa extracts may benefit cholesterol levels: Study

 

By Stephen Daniells,

31-May-2011

A combination of cocoa and skimmed milk may beneficially affect cholesterol levels in the blood, according to new data from Spain.

Daily consumption of 40 grams of cocoa powder and 500 mL of skimmed milk for four weeks was associated with increases in HDL (good) cholesterol levels, and reductions in levels of oxidized LDL (bad) cholesterol, scientists from the University of Barcelona report. “The results of this study provide further evidence for recommending regular consumption of cocoa as a useful tool against risk factors for [coronary heart disease],” they wrote in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases.

Choc-full of goodness?

The health benefits of polyphenols from cocoa have been gathering increasing column inches in the national media. To date studies have reported potential benefits for cardiovascular health, skin health, and even brain health.

The majority of science into the potential benefits of cocoa have revolved around cardiovascular benefits of the flavanols (also known as flavan-3-ols or catechins), and particularly the monomeric flavanol (-)epicatechin.

Most of the globe’s confectionery giants have spent R&D dollars on exploring the potential health benefits of cocoa, including Mars, Nestlé, and Hershey.

The new study used cocoa from Spanish food company Nutrexpa.

Study details

The Barcelona-based scientists recruited 42 volunteers with a mean age of 70 to participate in their randomized, crossover feeding trial. All the participants received 500 mL of skimmed milk/day with or without 40g of cocoa powder for 4 weeks. The 40 grams of cocoa powder provided 495.2 milligrams of polyphenols and 425.7 milligrams of proanthocyanidins.

At the end of the study the researchers found that milk plus cocoa was associated with a 5 percent increase in HDL cholesterol levels, compared to only milk.

In addition, cocoa plus milk was associated with a 14 percent reduction in oxidized LDL cholesterol levels, compared to milk only.

How?

Commenting on the potential mechanism of action, the researchers note that the polyphenols in cocoa may bind to LDL particles and therefore prevent them from being oxidized.

Concerning the increase in HDL, they note that the mechanism remains to be elucidated, but it may be related to polyphenols boosting the production of a molecule called apolipoprotein (Apo) A1, which is the main protein component of HDL.

Delicious Health - New Chocolate Tea from California Tea House

(press release) 

May 31, 2011

California Tea House recently announced the creation of something new—a chocolate tea. In the world of premium tea, many companies stand to sell the same—oolong, green tea, black tea, perhaps pu’erh and jasmine—with little distinguishing the companies, but a brand. Until now, a chocolate tea is daringly different.

Justly named Chocolate Chai, it’s a spicy loose leaf tea that begs for more than just one pour. Its ingredient profile underscores this; USDA organic cocoa nibs and white chocolate pieces highlight the tea’s rich, unexpected taste. Cardamom blooms, orange peels, chicory root pieces and fresh-cut ginger round out the smoothness of the brew. Together, creating an innovating twist on two classics, tea and chocolate.

A dessert of its own, the tea has a full-bodied flavor without a need for a sweetener. As one satisfied customer wrote, “I love this stuff! It’s the best tea I’ve ever had. Tastes like thin liquid chocolate.”

Yet for the diet-conscious, Chocolate Chai remains virtuously guilt-free and laden only with health benefits, unlike a cup of hot chocolate. And that’s exactly how Ani Bailey, co-founder of California Tea House and creator of the tea, felt, and wanted to share.

“The idea for Chocolate Chai came about when I was having a piece of dark chocolate with a cup of tea one evening. As I tried the chocolate with the tea, the combination was so fulfilling that it dawned on me: why not make a chocolate tea? From there we hit the drawing board...,” says Ms. Bailey.

Like any traditional cup of chai from India, the blend also upholds the much sought after benefits of Cardamom; an equally potent ingredient, which provides a strong aroma and flavor. Cardamom primarily acts as a digestive, but is also known to help heal throat health, congestion, Tuberculosis and even treat teeth and gum infections.

Minimally processed chocolate, such as the cocoa nibs found in the tea, have been shown to help maintain cardiovascular health—reduce blood pressure, enhance blood flow and reach healthy cholesterol levels. Moreover, according to Christine Dobmeier, a nutritionist from the University of Maryland Medical Center, just two tablespoons of cocoa has more antioxidants than four cups of green tea. The effect is a health food that challenges many notions of decadence.

According to Health magazine, “Tea drinkers can be as passionate and picky about their drink of choice as the most snobby oenophile is about her wine.” Simply stated, there are more and more choices; California Tea House has accented this yet again.

At last, a new sidekick to chocolate that’s even healthier than coffee, a delight for the tea connoisseur—California Tea House’s Chocolate Chai.

California Tea House is a family owned and operated gourmet, loose-leaf tea store carrying the finest estate grown teas and custom tea blends all with free shipping. Find your new favorite tea at .

High blood cholesterol? Drink cocoa

Nigerian Tribune

By Sade Oguntola

02 June 2011

[Cocoa drink is heart-friendly]

THERE are few things patients with diabetes, high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure might actually be happy to see their doctors’ prescription - cocoa.

Scientists found that a chemical found in cocoa may help improve the working of blood vessels in diabetes and hypertensive patients as well as affect cholesterol levels in their blood.

A new evidence supporting recommending regular consumption of cocoa as a useful tool against risk factors for coronary heart disease from Spain indicated that a combination of cocoa and skimmed milk may beneficially affect cholesterol levels in the blood, especially in subjects at high-risk of cardiovascular disease.

Cocoa is the non-fat component of cocoa liquor (finely ground cocoa beans) which is used in chocolate making or as cocoa powder (commonly 12 per cent fat) for cooking and drinks.

Cocoa liquor contains approximately 55 per cent cocoa butter and together this comprises cocoa solids, often referred to on chocolate packaging. However, it is different from chocolate, which is a combination of cocoa, cocoa butter, sugar, etc. made into a solid food product.

In the study published in the journal, Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, the researchers found that daily consumption of 40 grammes of cocoa powder and 500 mL of skimmed milk for four weeks was associated with increases in HDL (good) cholesterol levels, and reductions in levels of oxidized LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Interestingly, the researchers, who recruited 42 volunteers to participate in the randomised, crossover feeding trial that lasted for four weeks, found that milk plus cocoa was associated with a 5 per cent increase in HDL cholesterol levels over a four week period, compared to only milk. In addition, cocoa plus milk was associated with a 14 per cent reduction in oxidized LDL cholesterol levels, compared to milk only.

Although, they indicated that the mechanism of how cocoa extract increase the blood HDL level was yet to be elucidated, they noted that it may be related to its polyphenols content boosting the production of a molecule called apolipoprotein (Apo) A1, which is the main protein component of HDL.

Cholesterol, certainly cannot dissolve in the blood. It has to be transported to and from the cells by carriers called lipoproteins. When too much LDL (bad) cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain.

Together with other substances, it can form plaque, a thick, hard deposit that can narrow the arteries and make them less flexible. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. If a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, heart attack or stroke can result. However, high levels of HDL seem to protect against heart attack.

Medical experts think that HDL tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it is passed from the body.

Meanwhile, experts said in study that further deepens the understanding of the cardiovascular benefits of cocoa, that the potential of polyphenol compounds in cocoa to reduce blood pressure is related to genotype.

In addition, they wrote in a 2007 edition of Archives of Internal Medicine,: “The magnitude of the hypotensive effects of cocoa is clinically noteworthy; it is in the range that is usually achieved with monotherapy of beta-blockers or antiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE) inhibitors.”

Beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors are prescribed as treatments for high blood pressure and have been shown to improve survival when administered following a heart attack.

This was further corroborated by another 2009 study published in the Journal of Hypertension that said that regular consumption of cocoa flavanols may decrease blood pressure in people with mild hypertension, but only at high doses.

However, the heart benefits of cocoa extends also to athletes. Researchers indicated that consumption of cocoa flavanols help to boost blood flow to the muscles and ease the demands on the heart during exercising as well as improve eye and brain function.

Writing in the 2010 journal of Physiology & Behaviour, the authors said their findings show that performance on vision tests in healthy young adults and some aspects of cognitive performance can be improved by the acute intake of cocoa flavanols (CF).

The researchers’ theory was that the consumption of cocoa may have improved eye and brain functions by increasing blood flow to the brain.

In addition, scientists reported that eating flavanol-rich chocolate may help protect the skin from the damaging effects of UV light in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

Ghana cocoa main crop tops 900,000 T: Cocobod

Reuters Africa

By Kwasi Kpodo

May 30, 2011

ACCRA (Reuters) - The provisional tally for Ghana's 2010-11 cocoa main crop purchases reached a record 904,000 tonnes, some 55 percent above last year's levels, the head of Ghana's Cocoa Board (Cocobod) told Reuters on Sunday.

Chief Executive Tony Fofie, who dismissed reports the tally was padded by large amounts of beans being smuggled into Ghana from Ivory Coast, said the light crop would produce "at least 80,000 tonnes".

Cocobod has twice revised upwards its target for cocoa purchases this year and the world's No. 2 grower is set to smash the previous full-season record of 740,000 tonnes seen in 2005-2006. "The purchases have hit 904,000 tonnes -- it's a record achievement and it shows that the government's renewed strategy to raise production is working," Fofie said of the main crop, which began in October and ran through until May 19.

Fofie said the light crop would start on June 10, a week later than expected, but it would hit 80,000 tonnes: "It could be more because we still have lots of cocoa pods on the farms."

Some analysts say the political crisis in neighbouring Ivory Coast led to more beans being smuggled into Ghana as the industry in Ivory Coast was paralysed for months by ports shutting down and sanctions on the industry regulators.

But Ghana has repeatedly rejected this and Fofie called such claims "imaginations".

"We have doubled our fertiliser use, we have significantly scaled up disease and pests control -- generally, we are doing a lot more now to sustain high production and also ensure that our farmers are well motivated and rewarded," Fofie said.

"In addition, we've had very good rains that bolstered pod development and maturity this year, more than we've seen recently," he said. Ghana has set itself the target of purchasing at least 1 million tonnes of cocoa a year by the 2012-13 season.

Heavy rain could hurt Ivory Coast cocoa quality

Reuters Africa 

By Loucoumane Coulibaly

Jun 1, 2011

ABIDJAN (Reuters) - Good rains fell in Ivory Coast's cocoa regions last week boosting the mid-crop crop but the weather could also weigh on the quality of beans in other parts of the world's top grower, farmers and analysts said on Tuesday.

Heavy rains are expected to continue in the first weeks of June, starting around the coastal region of the country and moving inward towards the centre and north.

In the southeastern region of Aboisso, an analyst reported 122.7 millimetres of rains in the spell. Farmers said the long rain spells not only prevented them from going into their farms to harvest, but also from properly sunning their beans. "It rained a lot. Because of the rain, I could only go to my plantation once last week. We had many difficulties trying to sun our beans," said Jean Tano, a farmer in the region.

In contrast, just about 62 millimetres of rainfall was recorded in the eastern region of Abengourou, near the border with Ghana.

Farmers there said they were happy with the light downpour mixed with sunny spells which enabled them to transport their beans from the farms and were able to sun them. "It rains and there is a bit of sunshine. The mid-crop is going on well," said Joseph Amani who farms in Abengourou.

In the coastal region of Sassandra, analysts reported 41 millimetres of rains but farmers said cloudy weather and the humidity were weighing on the quality of beans. "We have problems properly fermenting the beans," said Edmond Ezan a farmer in the region. "I do not think beans harvested within the next ten days will be of good quality."

In the western region of Soubre, the heart of Ivory Coast's cocoa belt, farmers reported three abundant rain spells which could strengthen the mid crop. Similar growing conditions were reported in centre-western region of Daloa. "The soil is absorbing most of the rainwater. There is no concern at the moment," said Attoungbre Kouame, a Daloa-based farmer.

Abundant rains and good growing conditions were also reported in the central region of Yamoussoukro, in western regions of Gagnoa and Meagui and in southern regions of Divo and Agboville.

Cameroon cocoa production hits new season record

Reuters Africa 

Jun 2, 2011

YAOUNDE (Reuters) - Cocoa production in Cameroon, the world's no.5 grower, has hit a new record this season at 219,295 tonnes by the end of April, already over 5 percent higher than the previous record in the 2008-2009 season.

Data from the National Cocoa and Coffee Board showed on Thursday the record production was reached, three months before the end cocoa season which runs from August to July.

Cocoa Supplies to outpace demand by 187,000 Tons, ICCO Says

Bloomberg 

By Isis Almeida

Jun 2, 2011

Cocoa supplies will exceed demand by 187,000 metric tons in the 2010-11 season that started in October, up from a previous estimate of 119,000 tons, according to the International Cocoa Organization.

The production estimate was increased to 4.025 million tons from 3.938 million tons, the London-based ICCO said in a statement today. World output will rise 11 percent from the previous year, led by an increase in production from Ghana, the world’s second-largest grower, the organization said in a separate report e-mailed today.

Grindings were increased to 3.798 million tons from 3.78 million tons, the highest on record, it said. Cocoa processing activity is expected to increase by almost 9 percent in Asia and Oceania and 3 percent in Europe, the ICCO said.

Ghana’s crop will be a record 960,000 tons, boosted by “conducive weather conditions, new farms coming into production, improved farm husbandry, increased fertilizer application and boosted farmer incentives,” the ICCO said.

Output in Ivory Coast, the world’s largest producer, will rise to 1.3 million tons, up from 1.242 million tons in the previous season, following the country’s political crisis earlier this year.

The size of the country’s mid-crop, the smaller of two annual harvests, may be reduced by security and logistical concerns, the ICCO said. The mid-crop was expected to be 300,000 tons, according to the report.

Nigeria’s Cocoa Exports Climbed 47% Last Year, Akingbola Says

Bloomberg 

By Vincent Nwanma

Jun 2, 2011

Exports of cocoa products from Nigeria, the fourth-largest producer of the beans, rose 47 percent to $822.8 million in 2010, according to Olakunle Akingbola, business development manager of Cobalt International Services, an inspection company.

This represented about 35 percent of $2.32 billion earnings from non-oil exports last year for Nigeria, Africa’s leading oil producer, Akingbola said by phone today from Akure in western Nigeria. “We expect to raise earnings from cocoa to 40 percent of non-oil revenue this year,” said Akingbola, whose company inspects all Nigerian non-oil products at ports before export.

Cocoa is Nigeria’s second-biggest foreign-exchange earner after crude oil, according to figures published by the Nigerian government. The Ivory Coast, Ghana and Indonesia produce more cocoa, according to the International Cocoa Organization.

ADM launches Extreme Dark Cocoa Powders

Food Ingredients First (press release) 

27 May 2011

ADM Cocoa has expanded its line of deZaan cocoa powders with the darkest dry powder available on the market today. Delivering the indulgent taste consumers demand, the new deZaan D11EB is the deepest shade in the brand’s rich palette of dark cocoa powder options. With a black visual appearance, it can be used to provide intense colour and flavour to a diverse range of applications including dairy desserts, ice creams, biscuits, cakes, compound coatings and dry mixes, as well as fillings and truffles.

With its unique combination of extreme cocoa colour and delicious taste, deZaan D11EB opens up new possibilities for manufacturers keen to create signature products. Importantly, this intensely dark cocoa powder comes with a clean cocoa taste which, up until now, has been difficult to achieve. The deep colour and flavour of deZaan D11EB provide manufacturers with the benefit of reduced cost in use, as a minimal amount of extra dark powder can make a significant difference in the colour of the end product.

Marc Degen, sales director cocoa powder, ADM Cocoa comments, “Consumers eat with their eyes as well as their taste buds, so visual appeal is vital – particularly when it comes to creating indulgent, quality chocolate products. With deZaan D11EB, we are giving our customers the opportunity to offer a new level of intensely dark chocolate colour which, contrary to other products on the market today, will still deliver the great taste consumers expect.

“We are particularly proud of this latest global launch, which marks the 100 year anniversary of deZaan as the leading brand for cocoa and chocolate products, including, more recently, fine chocolate from Belgium. By constantly pushing the boundaries, listening to our customers and leveraging our technical expertise, we aim to continue to deliver the widest choice of innovative cocoa and chocolate solutions to our customers around the world.”

Ivorian cocoa arrivals seen at 1,128,000 T by May 29

Reuters Africa 

May 30, 2011 T

Workers stack sacks of cocoa at a Barry Callebaut cocoa factory in San Pedro, southwestern Ivory Coast January 27, 2010.

ABIDJAN (Reuters) - Cocoa arrivals at ports in top grower Ivory Coast reached around 1,128,000 tonnes by May 29, exporters estimated on Monday, compared with 986,357 tonnes in the same period last season.

Exporters estimated around 25,000 tonnes of beans were delivered to the West African state's two ports between May 23 to May 29, up from 20,163 tonnes in the same week a year ago.

Australian Mars Bars now Rainforest Alliance certified

International Business Times

May 30, 2011

Mars Chocolate Australia has announced that it will source enough Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa to cover the production of its iconic Mars Bar, which will bear the Rainforest Alliance treefrog logo.

The move follows Cadbury's switch last year, when the company began purchasing enough Fairtrade cocoa to cover the production of its Dairy Milk blocks.

Mars Chocolate Australia said that chocolate lovers want to know that their special treat not only tastes delicious, but has been produced in a sustainable and ethical way.

"MARS Bars have been an iconic product loved by Australians for 30 years," said Michael Ryan, General Manager of Mars Chocolate Australia. "We are thrilled that we can continue to offer the same quality and taste, with the added assurance that Mars Chocolate Australia has sourced cocoa beans from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms to meet our needs."

"The Rainforest Alliance Certified seal on MARS Bars demonstrates Mars Chocolate Australia's commitment to sourcing sustainably produced cocoa, supporting cocoa farming communities in West Africa and globally."

"Nearly all cocoa is grown on small, family farms that are vulnerable to disease, inclement weather and price fluctuations," said Anita Neville of Rainforest Alliance Australia.

The certified cocoa sourced for Mars Bars will come from the Ivory Coast in West Africa.

"The amount of cocoa beans used for Mars Chocolate Australia will require the annual harvest of several thousand farmers.

This is a real commitment to sustainable farming that is already making a difference to cocoa growing communities."

As with Cadbury's move, the certified cocoa will be traced and volume-matched to the amount of cocoa used to produce Mars Bars at the company's Ballarat factory, rather than the product itself being wholly produced from sustainable cocoa.

In actual fact, all of Mars' chocolate products will contain a proportion of Rainforest Alliance cocoa. Globally, Mars Chocolate Australia said it has made a commitment to have all of the cocoa in its products certified as being produced in a sustainable manner by 2020.

In Australia, Mars Chocolate Australia hopes to have its full range of products sourced from certified farms well in advance of its 2020 global commitment.

The Rainforest Alliance works with farmers to improve and change how they operate so that the environment and wildlife are protected.

It also makes sure farm workers are paid a good wage, work in safe conditions, have access to good housing, and their children have access to education and healthcare.

Cargill receives first North American Shipment of UTZ CERTIFIED Chocolate Liquor

PR Newswire (press release) 

SOURCE Cargill

May 31, 2011

LITITZ, Pa., /PRNewswire/ -- The commitment of Cargill's cocoa and chocolate business on the journey toward a sustainable cocoa supply chain has reached another milestone with the delivery of the first UTZ CERTIFIED/Good Inside chocolate liquor to North America.

The cocoa comes from farmers in Cote d'Ivoire that have participated in Cargill's Farmer Field School programs and reached UTZ certification after independent auditing. During the 10-month Farmer Field School training program, these farmers are trained in safety and good agricultural practices, focusing on farming techniques and post-harvest activities such as pruning, plantation renewal and cocoa fermentation methods. Cargill's farmer training program has resulted in farmers benefitting from a 30-percent increase on average in their incomes from higher yields, as well as from an improvement in the quality of their crop. In addition, the program also stresses broader social aspects, such as the importance of ensuring childhood education and HIV awareness.

The UTZ CERTIFIED/Good Inside cocoa program ― co-founded by Cargill, Dutch development organization Solidaridad and a multi-stakeholder group from the cocoa sector ― introduced independent certification to improve agricultural, environmental and social practices in cocoa production in 2007. The support for small-scale farmers improves farming practices, thereby producing a higher quality crop with increased productivity.

"We believe training farmers to increase yields, improve quality and adopt more sustainable practices can directly contribute to increased earnings for cocoa farmers," said Don Pearson, president of Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate North America. "While increases for each farmer may vary depending on the market price, quality and yields, farmers who adopt better farming practices are benefitting from higher incomes, as well as improving their long-term success."

Cargill's cocoa and chocolate business has long been committed to developing a sustainable cocoa supply chain and took a vital step toward a solution when it became a founding partner of the UTZ CERTIFIED/Good Inside cocoa program. Offering sustainably-sourced UTZ CERTIFIED/Good Inside cocoa and chocolate products provides a better future for cocoa farmers and enables customers to join in the journey toward sustainability, resulting in excellent products that consumers can enjoy and feel good about.

About UTZ CERTIFIED

UTZ CERTIFIED/Good Inside is a market-oriented sustainability program for cocoa, tea and the world's largest supplier of sustainable coffee. As architects of sustainable supply chains, UTZ CERTIFIED ensures a balanced standard regarding People, Planet and Profit. Unique to the UTZ CERTIFIED program is the focus on entrepreneurship of the farmer through cost efficient environmentally and socially responsible farming practices. Goals of the UTZ CERTIFIED program include; increased farmers' professionalism whereby sustainable agricultural supply chains are achieved; the food industry taking responsibility by demanding and sourcing sustainably grown products; and consumers trusting favorite brands confident they were produced to meet social and environmental responsibility standards. For more information, visit .

About Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate:

Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate offers the food industry a wide range of both standard and customized cocoa and chocolate ingredients to be used in delicious bakery, confectionery, and dairy applications all over the world. Our product range includes high quality Gerkens® cocoa powders, chocolate including Wilbur®, Peter's® and Veliche®, coatings, fillings, cocoa liquors and cocoa butters. With years of experience in technical food expertise Cargill supports its customers in new recipes and new product development.

Our facilities in Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Cote d'Ivoire, France, Germany, Ghana, the Netherlands, UK and the USA are fully dedicated to produce in accordance with the highest food safety standards.

To secure a good quality and sustainable supply of cocoa beans we have our own cocoa bean sourcing operations for buying, handling and/or exporting of cocoa beans in Brazil, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Indonesia and Vietnam. Presence in all the leading producing countries allows Cargill to oversee the supply chain from beans at origin to cocoa and chocolate products on our customers' doorstep. In addition, extensive market research and analysis proves to be a source of valuable information to our customers.

About Cargill

Cargill is an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services. Founded in 1865, the privately held company employs 131,000 people in 66 countries. Cargill helps customers succeed through collaboration and innovation, and is committed to applying its global knowledge and experience to help meet economic, environmental and social challenges wherever it does business. For more information, visit .

Cocoa tax encourages Industry: Association

Tempo Interaktif 

31 May, 2011

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:Indonesian Cocoa Industry Association chairman Piter Jasman, said yesterday that a cocoa tax would encourage the growth of the downstream cocoa industry.

BT Cocoa’s president commissary said that before there was the cocoa tax in 2009, the production capacity of the cocoa industry was 120,000 tons per year. The number rose to 150,000 tons last year when the tax was imposed. “This year, it could reach 280,000 tons per year. Next year, we are optimistic it will reach 400,000 tons per year,” he said.

The industry’s growth was the result of a cocoa tax that assured raw material supplies for the local industry. Before the tax was applied, the composition of exported cocoa and the cocoa absorbed by the industry was 70:30. “After the tax was applied, the composition was 50:50,” said Piter. He said the industry’s absorption in the country could reach 60 percent by next year.

The downstream industry, or cocoa processing, is also predicted to improve along with the increasing price of oil.

BT Cocoa has doubled its production to 70,000 tons per year. Before the tax the company’s production was only 35,000 tons per year.

Agriculture Deputy Minister Bayu Krisnamurthi said the effectiveness of the cocoa tax could be seen from Nestlé’s expansion. The company, through Milo Indonesia, plans to make Indonesia the basis for its cocoa processing industry to meet market demand for Milo in Southeast Asia.

Indonesian Cocoa Industry Association chairman Zulhefi Sikumbang, said the cocoa tax did not encourage cocoa seed businessmen to shift their production. Cocoa seed exports declined by 25 – 30 percent as a result of changes in the harvest season last year.

Cargill completes acquisition of German Chocolate Business

PR Newswire UK (press release) 

June 1, 2011

MOUSCRON, Belgium, /PRNewswire/ -- Cargill has today completed the acquisition of the assets and business of Schwartauer Werke GmbH & Co. KG Kakao Verarbeitung Berlin, ("KVB"), the integrated cocoa and chocolate company. Already the world's leading processor of cocoa, this acquisition means that Cargill now becomes the leading provider of industrial chocolate in Germany, Europe's largest chocolate market.

KVB's two production plants, based in Berlin, will complement Cargill's existing German cocoa and chocolate facilities in Klein Schierstedt and Hamburg, as well as its network of facilities in Europe, Brazil, Africa and the United States. These two plants will expand Cargill's production capacity by over 75,000 metric tonnes of chocolate per year, as well as increasing its workforce by approximately 180 employees. "We are delighted that this acquisition has been completed and that KVB is now officially part of Cargill," commented Jos de Loor, Managing Director Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate. "This acquisition marks a significant step in Cargill's cocoa and chocolate growth strategy in Europe and secures our German market leadership position to serve our customers across a broad range of food categories with chocolate products."

The integration of KVB into Cargill's cocoa and chocolate business will begin immediately. The combination of Cargill's expertise in production, origination, and management of price risk coupled with KVB's capabilities, professional workforce and customer base, will create an enhanced cocoa and chocolate house that will offer customers - across a broad spectrum of food ingredient categories - innovative solutions and specialty products.

De Loor added: "We are excited to welcome the employees of KVB into our Cargill family and we look forward to working closely with KVB's customers. This business will support our continued growth in Europe and our intention is to invest in our combined capabilities to provide all our customers with superior choice, high quality and extended market reach."

Cargill

Cargill is an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services. Founded in 1865, the privately held company employs 131,000 people in 66 countries.Cargill helps customers succeed through collaboration and innovation, and is committed to sharing its global knowledge and experience to help meet economic, environmental and social challenges wherever it does business.

About Cargill in Germany

Cargill has been active in Germany since 1955 and has around 1,600 employees in 12 locations in the country - in Barby, Frankfurt-Höchst, Hamburg (three locations), Klein Schierstedt, Krefeld, Malchin, Mainz, Riesa, Salzgitter and Wittenberge where it has a joint venture producing biodiesel with Agravis Raiffeisen AG.

About Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate

Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate offers the food industry a wide range of both standard and customised cocoa and chocolate ingredients to be used in bakery, confectionery, and dairy applications all over the world. Our product range includes high quality Gerkens(R) cocoa powders, chocolate, coatings, fillings, cocoa liquors and cocoa butters. With years of experience in technical food expertise Cargill supports its customers in new recipes and new product development.

To secure a good quality and sustainable supply of cocoa beans we have cocoa bean sourcing operations in the cocoa growing countries of the world and processing plants in Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Côte d'Ivoire, France, Germany, Ghana, the Netherlands, UK and the USA - fully dedicated to produce in accordance with the highest food safety standards and resulting in delicious cocoa and chocolate products for our customers.

About KVB

Schwartauer Werke Kakao Verarbeitung Berlin (KVB) is one of the leading German business-to-business cocoa and chocolate manufacturers. With more than 45 years of experience in the production of chocolate and semi finished cocoa products, KVB has developed unique product expertise for national and international customers. Customers range from large, small and medium sized European confectionary producers in the chocolate, baking and ice-cream industry. KVB sources from cocoa producing countries all over the world and is committed to deliver tailored solutions to its customers whether they need standard or highly specialised cocoa products.

KVB is part of the AOH Nahrungsmittel Group located in Bad Schwartau. The AOH Group of companies which also include Schwartauer Werke as well as the Swiss based Hero Group is controlled by Dr. Arend Oetker.

Cargill pushes growth in German cocoa market

MarketWatch

By Neena Rai

June 1, 2011,

LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Cargill's acquisition of Schwartauer Werke GmbH & Co. KG Kakao Verarbeitung Berlin will enable a greater presence and network in Germany's cocoa industry, Cargill spokeswoman Wendy Garbutt said Wednesday.

"As Germany is the largest European chocolate market this acquisition enables Cargill to be in the best position to manage further growth and to meet the needs of our customers now and in the future," Garbutt told Dow Jones Newswires.

KVB's two production plants, in Berlin, will expand Cargill's production capacity by over 75,000 metric tons of chocolate a year, and increase its workforce by approximately 180.

"The integration of KVB's cocoa and chocolate assets and people into Cargill will strengthen our ability to serve the needs of our customers in the bakery, confectionery and ice cream categories, and create the necessary scale to better deliver efficient and innovative solutions," Garbutt said.

Cargill already has German cocoa and chocolate facilities in Klein Schierstedt and Hamburg, and has facilities elsewhere in Europe, Brazil, Africa and the U.S.

In search of the best cacao in Peru

Living in Peru 

June 1, 2011

Cacao – where chocolate comes from. (Photo: Karen Zárate/El Comercio)

Many producers in Peru are hoping that their cacao – the fruit that cocoa and ultimately chocolate comes from – is chosen as the best of Peru in the national contest "Peruvian Cacao, fine, exquisite aroma and flavors of the world," organized by the Ministry of Agriculture.

The aim is to promote the consumption and quality of the fruit, El Comercio reports. The fruit is yellow in color and contains a flavorful, white, fleshy pulp inside that surrounds the cocoa beans that chocolate comes from.

To participate in the national contest, some regions of Peru have organized a pre-selection process. This is the case of the provincial town of Leoncio Prado. From about 600 samples of cacao, three will be selected to represent the department of Huánuco.

"The competition has been well received in the department, so we expect to exceed the 600 samples," said Erick Perez Diaz, assistant manager of tourism in the province told Andina.

He noted that the samples will be evaluated by a jury and will be judged based on product quality, aroma and flavor. Departmental level results will be announced on June 11.

Pritchard noted that the competition also aims, in the case of Huánuco, to promote cacao production in the high jungle areas of the department as a substitute for coca leaf.

The national competition is organized by the Peruvian Association of Cacao Producers, the Peruvian Chamber of Coffee and Cacao, Alternative Development Program USAID/Peru and Inass Laboratories. The final will take place July 10 at the Sheraton Hotel in Lima, in which the top five samples will be named.

Petra's Long-Term Prospects Looking Good

Food and Drink Insight (registration)

June 2, 2011

With the Singapore consumer in a strong shape, Petra Foods , the leading cocoa ingredients and chocolate confectionery manufacturer in Singapore, has much to be optimistic about over the coming years. Petra has two separate divisions, namely a cocoa ingredients division, which supplies cocoa ingredients such as cocoa powder and cocoa butter for global confectionery players, and a branded consumer division, which produces confectionery products such as chocolates, wafers and biscuits. Geographical diversification and product innovation are integral to Petra's growth strategy, while capacity expansions, branding initiatives and supply chain improvements will remain key tenets of the company's strategy, and these initiatives should allow Petra to replicate its success going forward.

Fluctuating Cocoa Prices The Biggest Near-Term Risk

Supported by strong demand for its confectionery products and cocoa ingredients, Petra recorded a 27.9% growth in revenues for Q111. With domestic demand prospects looking strong in South East Asia (the key market for Petra's confectionery products) and well-supported global demand for Petra's cocoa ingredients, there is a strong cause for optimism in the company's near-term revenue growth prospects ( see chart 1 ).

Fluctuating cocoa prices, however, pose a significant threat to Petra's near-term margin growth ( see chart 2 ). Given its overarching reliance on cocoa beans as its key input, Petra is particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in cocoa prices. Although our commodity desk expects cocoa prices to moderate over H211, given that markets are fundamentally well-supplied, there is a risk that cocoa prices could begin to tick up, which would in turn place downward pressure on Petra's profitability.

That said, we note that the strength of the Indonesian rupiah and the Singapore dollar could help mitigate the impact of high input costs on Petra's bottom line ( see chart 3 and 4 ). With most of its operations based ...

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Issue No. 442 30th May – 3rd June 2011

Inside THIS ISSE:

UP-COMING EVENTS IN THIS ISSUE

• ICCO DAILY COCOA PRICES

• LONDON (LIFFE) FUTURES MARKET UPDATE

• NEW YORK (ICE) FUTURES MARKET UPDATE

• FROM THE NEWS MEDIA

• TIT BITS

➢ Seminar of Cocoa Statistics for Nigeria, 2nd June 2011, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.

➢ SPS Capacity Building Workshop, 7th -10th June 2011, Yaounde, Cameroon.

➢ [pic][?]

+\]^_òáɳ?³…hI5Seminar on Futures Markets, 13th – 17th June, 2011, London, United Kingdom.

Do your health a favour, drink Cocoa everyday

‘It’s nature’s miracle food’

Others

Promotion & Consumption

Research & Development

Environmental Issue

Labour Issues

Business & Economy

Processing & Manufacturing

The Market

Production & Quality

Health and Nutrition

NEWS

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