COPAL COCOA Info Cocoa Producers' Alliance In-House Cocoa Newsletter A Weekly Newsletter of Cocoa Producers' Alliance Issue No. 477 30th January – 3rd February 2012 UP-COMING EVENTS o Midway workshop on Swollen-shoot,Yamoussoukro, Cote o d’Ivoire, 21st – 24th February, 2012. Meeting of the International Organizing Committee for the 17th International Cocoa Research Conference, Yaounde, Cameroon, 24th April to 3rd May 2012. IN THIS ISSUE ICCO INSIDE DAILY COCOA THISPRICES ISSE: 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’ In the News (from Newspapers worldwide) Health and Nutrition Cocoa Prevents Colon Cancer Cocoa powder, husk prevent malaria Labour Issues Production and Quality Hershey Company to invest million to improve conditions in Cocoa Communities New Hershey program to benefit cocoa farmers Cocoa use to exceed supply by 94,000 tons, Marex Spectron Says ICCO pegs rise in global cocoa stocks The Market Cameroon targets unlicensed cocoa buyers with seizure of beans Cameroon Cocoa Farmgate price advances 1.5% in Week Processing & Manufacturing Environmental Issue Research & Development Tulane grad invents toothpaste from cocoa Promotion & Consumption Condoms and Cocoa raises for AIDS Cote d'Ivoire: Country and Ghana to Streamline Cocoa Production and Marketing Others Cameroon Cocoa caterpillar attacks drop after Rains, Pesticides Business & Economy ICCO Daily Cocoa Prices ICCO Daily Price (SDR/tonne) ICCO Daily price ($US/tonne) London futures (£/tonne) New York futures ($US/tonne) 30th January 1506.34 2330.95 1503.67 2307.00 31st January 1514.22 2348.67 1511.00 2321.00 1st February 1473.39 2283.01 1459.33 2256.33 2nd February 1472.14 2282.23 1464.67 2252.33 3rd February 1524.61 2364.61 1517.67 2338.67 1498.00 2322.00 1491.00 2295.00 Average COCOA PRODUCERS’ ALLIANCE, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX TAFAWA BALEWA SQUARE, P.O. BOX 1718, LAGOS, NIGERIA. TEL: +234(0)1-263-5574 FAX: +234(0)1-263-5684 Email: econs@copal-cpa.org Website: www.copal-cpa.org 2 International Financial Futures and Options Exchange (LIFFE) London Futures Market – Summary of Trading Activities (£ per tone) Monday 30th January Month Mar 2012 May 2012 Jul 2012 Sep 2012 Dec 2012 Mar 2013 May 2013 Jul 2013 Sep 2013 Dec 2013 Average/Totals Tuesday Opening Trans 1526 1542 1559 1558 1572 1580 1585 1580 1652 31st January Month Mar 2012 May 2012 Jul 2012 Sep 2012 Dec 2012 Mar 2013 May 2013 Jul 2013 Sep 2013 Dec 2013 Average/Totals Wednesday Month Mar 2012 May 2012 Jul 2012 Sep 2012 Dec 2012 Mar 2013 May 2013 Jul 2013 Sep 2013 Dec 2013 Average/Totals Opening Trans 1495 1508 1523 1533 1540 1559 1575 1577 1592 1st February Opening Trans 1509 1523 1537 1550 1548 1556 1565 1567 1577 1593 2012 Settle 1489 1504 1518 1528 1534 1542 1549 1559 1569 1589 1538 Change -74 -71 -69 -71 -73 -75 -76 -74 -68 -66 Daily High 1532 1544S 1559 1566 1572S 1583S 1585S Daily Low 1486 1501 1515S 1525S 1530S 1542S 1559 1580S 1652 1579S 1590S Daily High 1518S 1531S 1545 1550S 1559S 1567S Daily Low 1484 1498 1512S 1523S 1528S 1553S 1575S 1577S 1592S 1575S 1577S 1592S High 1521 1528 1542S 1550S 1548S 1557S 1565S 1567 1577S 1593 Low 1442 1459S 1473S 1484S 1493S 1504S 1515S 1522S 1559S 1593 Volume 6,643 3,899 1,865 1,034 1,292 174 38 0 26 23 14,994 2012 Settle 1497 1511 1525 1536 1544 1553 1559 1554 1564 1580 1844 Change 8 7 7 8 10 11 10 -5 -5 -9 Volume 6,635 3,200 1,978 617 1,684 45 0 3 11 12 14,185 2012 Settle 1443 1460 1475 1486 1495 1506 1514 1520 1528 1544 1503 Change -54 -51 -50 -50 -49 -47 -45 -34 -36 -36 COCOA PRODUCERS’ ALLIANCE, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX TAFAWA BALEWA SQUARE, P.O. BOX 1718, LAGOS, NIGERIA. TEL: +234(0)1-263-5574 FAX: +234(0)1-263-5684 Email: econs@copal-cpa.org Website: www.copal-cpa.org Volume 10,039 5,427 2,731 1,217 1,674 1,029 246 275 87 10 22,735 3 Thursday 2nd February Month Mar 2012 May 2012 Jul 2012 Sep 2012 Dec 2012 Mar 2013 May 2013 Jul 2013 Sep 2013 Dec 2013 Average/Totals Friday Opening Trans 1447 1465 1480 1490 1496 1506 1518 1520 1528 3rd February Month Mar 2012 May 2012 Jul 2012 Sep 2012 Dec 2012 Mar 2013 May 2013 Jul 2013 Sep 2013 Dec 2013 Average/Totals Opening Trans 1456 1472 1484 1494 1500 1506 1517 1525 1533 1545 Average for the week 2012 Settle 1449 1465 1480 1491 1497 1502 1507 1513 1522 1540 1497 Change 6 5 5 5 2 -4 -7 -7 -6 -4 High 1466 1483S 1499S 1508S 1514S 1525 1518 1521S 1529S Low 1442 1460 1475S 1485S 1491 1500 1518 1520S 1528S Volume 4,734 2,989 2,197 604 783 636 75 55 55 0 12,128 Change 53 53 53 52 52 56 58 60 56 56 High 1525S 1539 1553S 1560S 1567S 1561S 1541S 1525 1564S 1545S Low 1438 1456S 1473S 1484S 1490S 1500S 1510S 1518S 1526S 1545S Volume 6,877 2,533 2,156 737 461 960 420 87 303 75 14,609 2012 Settle 1502 1518 1533 1543 1549 1558 1565 1573 1578 1596 1552 1552 COCOA PRODUCERS’ ALLIANCE, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX TAFAWA BALEWA SQUARE, P.O. BOX 1718, LAGOS, NIGERIA. TEL: +234(0)1-263-5574 FAX: +234(0)1-263-5684 Email: econs@copal-cpa.org Website: www.copal-cpa.org 2656 2656 4 New York Board of Trade (New York Futures Market – Summary of Trading Activities) (US$ per tone) Monday 30th January Month Mar 2012 May 2012 Jul 2012 Sep 2012 Dec 2012 Mar 2013 May 2013 Jul 2013 Sep 2013 Dec 2013 Average/Totals Tuesday Open 2359 2421 2400 2414 2422 2460 2440 2451 2465 2465 31st January Month Mar 2012 May 2012 Jul 2012 Sep 2012 Dec 2012 Mar 2013 May 2013 Jul 2013 Sep 2013 Dec 2013 Average/Totals Wednesday Month Mar 2012 May 2012 Jul 2012 Sep 2012 Dec 2012 Mar 2013 May 2013 Jul 2013 Sep 2013 Dec 2013 Average/Totals Open 2280 2320 2344 2372 2392 2440 2443 2454 0 2476 1st February Open 2291 2338 2360 2379 2406 2390 2390 2407 2425 2445 2012 Price 2280 2310 2336 2355 2372 2390 2408 2420 2436 2465 2377 Change -126 -121 -121 -119 -120 -121 -117 -112 -104 -96 High 2359 2421 2407 2416 2434 2460 2440 2451 2465 2465 Low 2274 2304 2334 2370 2370 2385 2433 2449 2436 2465 Volume 13,840 5,993 1,042 702 135 306 9 48 95 26 22196 Change 11 14 14 14 15 16 17 20 19 15 High 2340 2369 2395 2410 2410 2440 2447 2454 0 2476 Low 2277 2310 2337 2357 2374 2401 2440 2454 0 2476 Volume 13,021 6,400 1,362 349 567 279 214 14 37 32 22275 Change -66 -65 -66 -65 -63 -60 -61 -61 -61 -65 High 2328 2356 2373 2391 2406 2390 2390 2407 2425 2445 Low 2220 2255 2280 2301 2318 2337 2364 2383 2399 2445 Volume 16,458 7,663 3,057 1,520 1,367 1,024 71 24 29 21 31234 2012 Price 2291 2324 2350 2369 2387 2406 2425 2440 2455 2480 2393 2012 Price 2225 2259 2284 2304 2324 2346 2364 2379 2394 2415 2329 COCOA PRODUCERS’ ALLIANCE, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX TAFAWA BALEWA SQUARE, P.O. BOX 1718, LAGOS, NIGERIA. TEL: +234(0)1-263-5574 FAX: +234(0)1-263-5684 Email: econs@copal-cpa.org Website: www.copal-cpa.org 5 Thursday 2nd February Month Mar 2012 May 2012 Jul 2012 Sep 2012 Dec 2012 Mar 2013 May 2013 Jul 2013 Sep 2013 Dec 2013 Average/Totals Friday Open 2234 2266 2288 2305 2329 2340 0 0 0 0 3rd February Month Mar 2012 May 2012 Jul 2012 Sep 2012 Dec 2012 Mar 2013 May 2013 Jul 2013 Sep 2013 Dec 2013 Average/Totals Average for the week Open 2235 2267 2297 2307 2331 2361 2349 2362 2374 0 2012 Price 2225 2255 2282 2301 2321 2347 2363 2378 2393 2410 2328 Change 0 -4 -2 -3 -3 1 -1 -1 -1 -5 High 2255 2287 2309 2309 2331 2353 0 0 0 0 Low 2210 2245 2274 2290 2313 2333 0 0 0 0 Volume 19,258 13,512 3,231 1,138 1,331 965 59 0 0 0 39494 Change 75 72 71 71 75 78 77 74 69 69 High 2339 2363 2385 2408 2431 2460 2350 2408 2487 0 Low 2213 2238 2268 2288 2310 2335 2349 2362 2374 0 Volume 22,638 15,059 3,862 662 1,169 1,529 60 17 245 24 45265 2012 Price 2300 2327 2353 2372 2396 2425 2440 2452 2462 2479 2401 2401 COCOA PRODUCERS’ ALLIANCE, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX TAFAWA BALEWA SQUARE, P.O. BOX 1718, LAGOS, NIGERIA. TEL: +234(0)1-263-5574 FAX: +234(0)1-263-5684 Email: econs@copal-cpa.org Website: www.copal-cpa.org 8230 8230 6 News NEWS Health and Nutrition Cocoa Prevents Colon Cancer Newsmax Health January 30, 2012 Not only is chocolate a sweet treat for the stomach, new research suggests that cocoa can help protect against intestinal diseases like colon cancer. In what they claim is the first study of its kind in relation to intestinal pathologies, a research team out of Spain has concluded that cocoa can act as a defense system for the body by interrupting the cell-signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation, a process which results in the formation of tumors. Their study also found that a cocoa-rich diet can help increase a natural process known as apoptosis or cell death, in which the body eliminates old, unhealthy cells, to make way for new ones — a "chemoprevention mechanism" that helps ward off cancer advancement. For eight weeks, researchers fed rats a cocoa-rich diet — 12 percent — and then induced the effects of cancer. Results showed that the rats that consumed a diet high in cocoa had significantly reduced aberrant crypts, a common manifestation of colon cancer. Crypts are tube-like glands found in the lining of the colon and rectum and, when functioning normally, renew the lining of the intestine and produce mucus. Scientists also noted an improvement in the rats' antioxidant defenses and a decrease in oxidative damage induced by the carcinogens. According to the World Health Organization, colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and is the fourth most common cancer after lung, stomach, and liver. Cocoa, a major ingredient of chocolate, is rich in flavonoids and antioxidant properties. A study published last year in the British Medical Journal also found that high levels of chocolate consumption could be associated with a reduced risk of developing heart disease by up to 37 percent. The Spanish study was published in the journal Molecular Nutrition & Food Research and announced January 24. Cocoa powder, husk prevent malaria Nigerian Tribune |By Sade Oguntola Thursday, 02 February 2012 COCOA PRODUCERS’ ALLIANCE, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX TAFAWA BALEWA SQUARE, P.O. BOX 1718, LAGOS, NIGERIA. TEL: +234(0)1-263-5574 FAX: +234(0)1-263-5684 Email: econs@copal-cpa.org Website: www.copal-cpa.org 7 Cocoa seed and husk powder can protect against malaria. It is so successful both in treating and preventing malaria that scientists believe some of its constituents may one day be formulated into malaria drugs for general use. Researcher in a study that tested extracts from husks of four varieties of cocoa husks (the outer part of the bean which usually goes to waste in chocolate production) found that its hexane extract was toxic on blood forms of plasmodium falciparum, the human malaria parasite. The new study entitled “Evaluation of the antiplasmodial and cytotoxicity potential of husk fiber extracts from Cocos nucifera, a medicinal plant used in Nigeria to treat human malaria” was carried out by a group of researchers, including the Nigerian born Dr J.O. Adebayo. The extracts were tested for their ability to kill malaria parasite (antiplasmodial activities), toxicity to body cells (cytotoxicities) and whether it causes the breakdown of red blood cells, according to the study published in January issue of the journal, Human Experimental Toxicology. Nigeria is an African country where transmission of malaria occurs all year round and where most inhabitants use plants as remedies against parasitic diseases, including malaria. In the middle belt of the country, medicinal plants used for the treatment of malaria includes decoction of cocoa husk and cocoa seed powder. Cacao seeds are the source of commercial cocoa, chocolate, and cocoa butter. Fermented seeds are often roasted, cracked and ground to give a powdery mass from which fat is expressed. Raw dried cacao beans may also be cold-milled and ground to powder. This is the cocoa from which a popular beverage is prepared. In the preparation of chocolate, this mass is mixed with sugar, flavouring, and extra cocoa fat. Milk chocolate incorporates milk as well but reduces anti-oxidant properties. What is more, researchers have also corroborated the age long practice of using cocoa powder both in the prevention and treatment of malaria. The 2011 study, published in the African Journal of Biochemistry Research, found that natural cocoa powder had both therapeutic and prophylactic effects against P. berghei, another specie of malaria germ. The study entitled “Anti-malarial activity of cocoa powder in mice” was carried out by Jayeola, C. O.; Olubamiwa, O; and Effedua, H at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in collaboration with Oluwadun, and Kale, O.E, both from the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State. The researchers used natural cocoa powder to compound mice feed and this was both pre-fed and post-fed to mouse that had been infected with Plasmodium berghei. Experimental mice were randomly put in six groups randomly containing five animals each, according to their weight and sex. Each group comprises of both male and female mice. For the detection of malaria infection, blood smears were prepared from all experimental mice before the start of experiment. The percentages of malaria parasite in the blood were taken every other day as well as their weight checked to determine the percentage change in parasite density. The results of the experiment on plasmodium infection on mice and the effect of cocoa powder ingestion as compared with chloroquine treatment indicated that both agents exhibited a reduction in malaria parasite load almost at equal frequency, irrespective of the gender of the mice. The insignificant difference in the percentage plasmodial reduction between mice pre-fed with cocoa and those post-fed with cocoa, they stated was an indication that both method of anti-malarial treatment are equally effective. They wrote: “the observation of higher percentage of plasmodial reduction in mice pre-fed with cocoa suggested it may possess an immune-booster effect which action is anti-malarial.” COCOA PRODUCERS’ ALLIANCE, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX TAFAWA BALEWA SQUARE, P.O. BOX 1718, LAGOS, NIGERIA. TEL: +234(0)1-263-5574 FAX: +234(0)1-263-5684 Email: econs@copal-cpa.org Website: www.copal-cpa.org 8 Conversely, the findings of the study corroborated a previous one which indicated that cocoa powder could be used as adjunct to already available anti-malarial drugs to delay the spread of resistance in P. falciparum. Considering the finding that regular consumption of cocoa can help to reduce the occurrence of malaria attack, they suggested that extensive research work was required to ascertain cocoa’s anti-malarial agents and their possible, precise mechanism of action as well as its immune boosting effect. They recommend that cocoa consumption should be promoted in areas where malaria is endemic. According to them, since cocoa powder is a food drink, it could reduce incessant cases of drug-resistance and as well prevent the devastating effect of malaria on human. Numerous anecdotal reports of reduced episodic malaria in people who daily drink natural unsweetened cocoa beverage had prompted a search for scientific mechanisms that possibly account for cocoa’s antimalarial effects. Many studies suggested five mechanisms that possibly underpin cocoa’s anecdotal antimalarial effects. It is purported among others reasons to increase availability of antioxidants in plasma(blood); boost immunity of the body; increase blood levels of nitric oxide as well as reduce red blood cell fragility. Meanwhile, previous studies carried out by researchers at Osaka University in Japan had found that parts of the cocoa bean, the main ingredient of chocolate, thwart mouth bacteria and tooth decay. They discovered that the cocoa bean husk has an anti-bacterial effect on the mouth and can fight effectively against plaque and other damaging agents. According to them, the antibacterial agents in cocoa beans could offset the high sugar levels that bacteria in the mouth turn to acids, which eat away at the tooth’s surface and cause cavities. They tested their theory on rats by adding an extract of cocoa bean husk to their drinking water. Another group was infected with streptococcus mutans bacteria, which contributes to plaque and tooth decay. They were also fed a high-sugar diet. After three months, the study found that the rates with the high sugar diet had 14 cavities on average compared to just six cavities for those who received cocoa bean husk in their diet. Given that the finding would lead to new treatments for tooth decay, if the result could be translated into humans, they stated that it was possible that in the future cocoa bean husks extract be included in mouthwashes or as supplement to toothpaste. Cocoa contains flavanol which has potential beneficial effects on human health such as antiviral, anti-allergic, anti-platelet, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-oxidant activities. Numerous studies have reported a relationship between the consumption of cocoa derivatives especially dark chocolate with beneficial health effects on cardiovascular diseases such as heart problems and stroke as a result of its antioxidant content. Production & Quality Hershey Company to invest million to improve conditions in Cocoa Communities Modern Ghana By: Kyei-Afrifa Mannhei Jan. 30, 2012 Accra, , GNA - The Hershey Company on Monday said it would expand and accelerate programmes to improve conditions in cocoa communities by investing million in West Africa and continue to work with experts in agriculture, community development and government to achieve progress with cocoa farmers and their families. Over the next five years, Hershey's public and private partnerships will directly benefit 750,000 African cocoa farmers and over two million people in cocoa communities across the region, the company said in a statement COCOA PRODUCERS’ ALLIANCE, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX TAFAWA BALEWA SQUARE, P.O. BOX 1718, LAGOS, NIGERIA. TEL: +234(0)1-263-5574 FAX: +234(0)1-263-5684 Email: econs@copal-cpa.org Website: www.copal-cpa.org 9 issued in Accra on Monday “Today, West African farmers can increase their cocoa output by 50 per cent through modern methods. Doing so will increase school attendance and improve community health,” it said in the statement. Hershey has worked with farmers and development organisations for more than 50 years. Most cocoa farmers live on small, isolated family farms. They are eager to improve their farming methods and Hershey Company is investing in major programmes to make them better farmers. The announcement builds on the company's cocoa expertise and partnerships and would focus on increasing the income of the Region's two million cocoa farmers and ensuring long-term cocoa sustainability for the Region and for Hershey's global product line. “Hershey is extending our commitment with new programmes to drive long-term change in cocoa villages where families will benefit from our investments in education, health and economic opportunities,” said J.P. Bilbrey, President and CEO, Hershey Company. “Our global consumers want Hershey Company to be a leader in responsible business practices and in finding smart ways to benefit cocoa communities. We are excited and humbled by this opportunity to create positive change in West Africa.” Later this year, US consumers will be able to purchase Hershey's Bliss® products with 100 per cent cocoa from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. Rainforest Alliance Certified farms have met comprehensive sustainability standards that protect the environment and ensure the safety and well-being of workers, their families and communities. While working with farmers to improve long-standing agricultural practices, Hershey and the Rainforest Alliance will also help them prepare for the future. Rainforest Alliance will use training programmes to reduce child labour and increase school attendance, these programmes will be coordinated with industry and government initiatives. “We support Hershey's comprehensive approach to sustainability, through educating cocoa farmers on best practices and improving conditions for cocoa farming communities in West Africa,” said Tensie Whelan, President of Rainforest Alliance. “We are thrilled to be working with Hershey to bring their sustainability commitments to life, from cocoa farms in West Africa to store shelves across North America.” In 2011, Hershey introduced an innovative mobile phone programme in Ghana, known as CocoaLink, to reach thousands of farmers with practical messages about growing cocoa and family health. Currently, more than two-thirds of cocoa farmers in Ghana are using low-cost mobile phones in their households. CocoaLink is a first of its kind partnership programme developed with World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) and Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD). Based on the success of the company's CocoaLink mobile phone project in Ghana, Hershey said it was planning to expand the network into La Cote d'Ivoire. Through CocoaLink, cocoa farmers receive text and voice messages that enable them to improve farming practices, understand issues related to pests and adverse weather conditions, improve labour practices and ask questions from cocoa experts in real time. In the next phase of CocoaLink, Hershey plans to work with the Rainforest Alliance to incorporate important messages about conservation and climate change into the programme. Through CocoaLink, Hershey and its partners are committed to reaching 100,000 Ghana cocoa farmers by 2014. La Cote d'Ivoire has approximately 600,000 cocoa farmers and industry data indicates that about half are already using mobile phones. COCOA PRODUCERS’ ALLIANCE, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX TAFAWA BALEWA SQUARE, P.O. BOX 1718, LAGOS, NIGERIA. TEL: +234(0)1-263-5574 FAX: +234(0)1-263-5684 Email: econs@copal-cpa.org Website: www.copal-cpa.org 10 ICCO pegs rise in global cocoa stocks Business Recorder (blog) January 31, 2012 Business Recorder Logo World cocoa stocks rose to 1.723 million tonnes as of September 30 after bumper crops in West Africa helped produce a record surplus, according to the International Cocoa Organisation's annual assessment. Stocks were up by 295,000 tonnes on the year, with the majority held in importing countries, ICCO statistician Laurent Pipitone told Reuters. Stocks in importing countries totalled 1.235 million tonnes as of September 30, compared with 1.03 million tonnes a year earlier. Stocks held in cocoa-producing countries also rose, with the ICCO estimating 408,000 tonnes stored at origin versus 323,000 tonnes a year earlier. "There has been a trend for the share of stocks in producing countries to rise because of the growth in their grinding capacity," Pipitone said. Grinding capacity has been increasing in producers including top grower Ivory Coast and third-largest Indonesia. The assessment also showed total European port warehouse stocks had risen to 913,000 tonnes from 756,000 tonnes a year earlier. However, Liffe-certified stocks held in warehouses fell to 172,770 tonnes, from 336,000 tonnes a year earlier. "The share of Liffe stocks has declined to around 20 percent; it used to be 40 to 50 percent", of the total stocks held in European warehouses, Pipitone said. In November the ICCO estimated a record global cocoa surplus of 341,000 tonnes for the 2010/11 crop. This is below industry estimates of a surplus of up to 500,000 tonnes, but ICCO numbers are consistently conservative in comparison with private-sector estimates. The ICCO is due to publish its first estimates for 2011/12 supply and demand in February. Although the ICCO world stock assessment is an industry benchmark, it does not report on all countries, with Indonesia and Nigeria being two of the producers that are not included. New Hershey program to benefit cocoa farmers York Daily Record By TIM MEKEEL, Business Editor 02/03/2012 The Hershey Co. said Monday that it will spend $10 million over five years in West Africa to improve the productivity and living conditions of cocoa farmers. The initiative is expected to directly benefit 750,000 cocoa farmers and two million people overall in cocoagrowing communities of Ghana and Ivory Coast. J.P. Bilbrey, Hershey's president and chief executive officer, said the new program will "drive long-term change in cocoa villages." Hershey said it will show cocoa farmers modern methods that can boost output by 50 percent, increasing their family income significantly. One way Hershey will educate farmers is by expanding its "CocoaLink" mobilephone effort. CocoaLink transmits text and voice messages to farmers about agricultural and family-health issues, and provides experts to answer farmers' questions. COCOA PRODUCERS’ ALLIANCE, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX TAFAWA BALEWA SQUARE, P.O. BOX 1718, LAGOS, NIGERIA. TEL: +234(0)1-263-5574 FAX: +234(0)1-263-5684 Email: econs@copal-cpa.org Website: www.copal-cpa.org 11 In a second effort to educate farmers, Hershey will launch "Learn to Grow," a network of 25 community-based farmer organizations in Ghana."Learn to Grow" also will provide high-yield seedlings, financing and GPS mapping to precisely calculate how much fertilizer and pesticide to apply. Partnering in this program is Source Trust, a nonprofit that promotes ways to get better crop yields through sustainable agriculture. In a related move, Hershey said that later this year its Hershey's Bliss product line will be made entirely from cocoa beans grown on farms that are certified by the Rainforest Alliance. To be certified, the farms will have to show that they use sustainable agricultural practices and ban unsafe or illegal child labor, according to Hershey. Cocoa use to exceed supply by 94,000 tons, Marex Spectron Says Bloomberg By Isis Almeida Feb 3, 2012 Cocoa demand will exceed supplies by 94,000 metric tons in the 2011-12 season started in October, reversing a previous forecast for a surplus of 32,000 tons, Marex Spectron Group said. Global cocoa production will be 3.867 million tons, 70,000 tons lower than forecast in November, with smaller crops in West Africa, the London-based broker said in a report e-mailed today. Ivory Coast and Ghana are the biggest growers of cocoa, and they produce a larger so-called main crop and a smaller so-called mid crop. The mid-crop starts in April in both countries. “Weather conditions during December and early January in Ivory Coast and Ghana were far more typical of a normal dry season and significantly less benign than the same period of last season, indicating that the midcrops will be close to trend and much lower than last year,” Jonathan Parkman, the head of agriculture at Marex in London, wrote in the report. The crop in Ivory Coast will be 1.335 million tons, down from 1.38 million tons previously forecast and 1.7 million tons in 2010-11, Marex said. Production in Ghana will be 845,000 tons, up from a previous estimate of 825,000 tons, Marex said. Ghana’s crop was 955,000 tons a year earlier, the broker said. Global bean grindings, an indication of demand, will rise 3.3 percent to 3.922 million tons from the previous season, the brokerage said. The new estimate is up from 3.866 million tons forecast in November. Forward Sales The so-called forward sales program started in Ivory Coast as part of wider industry reforms will have a “profound” effect on the cocoa market, with prices set to fall, Marex said. The Ivorian government said in November it planned to sell 70 percent of the 2012-13 harvest before the season’s start as part of industry reforms that include a price guarantee to farmers that is 50 percent to 60 percent of international market prices. The program started Jan. 31. “The trade will have to manage very carefully the increase in quantity of forward hedges that they will incur as a result of forward marketing by Ivory Coast,” Parkman wrote. The Market Cameroon targets unlicensed cocoa buyers with seizure of beans Bloomberg By Pius Lukong Jan 31, 2012 Cameroon’s cocoa agencies have started a joint effort to eradicate unlicensed buyers and end purchases of lowquality beans sold by farmers who need money quickly, according to the Cocoa and Coffee Interprofessional Council. COCOA PRODUCERS’ ALLIANCE, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX TAFAWA BALEWA SQUARE, P.O. BOX 1718, LAGOS, NIGERIA. TEL: +234(0)1-263-5574 FAX: +234(0)1-263-5684 Email: econs@copal-cpa.org Website: www.copal-cpa.org 12 The council and the Cocoa and Coffee Board started the program Jan. 20 to find the buyers and seize the beans they’ve purchased, Yves Abissi, head of communications for the council, said in an e-mailed response to questions today from the port city of Douala. Officials are monitoring parts of the Center, South and South West regions where the chocolate ingredient is grown, he said. Cameroon, Africa’s fourth-biggest producer of the crop, requires cocoa buyers to get a license from the council before making purchases, proving they have financial means and storage and transportation facilities. There are 92 buyers with permits and more than 250 without, said Abissi. Unlicensed buyers purchase cocoa that “is not well dried,” said Benjamin Ndongo Ndjemba, head of the board in the Center, East and South regions, in an interview. “As the number of illegal buyers keeps increasing, it becomes difficult to get credible statistics on cocoa production in Cameroon.” So far, 120 kilograms (264 pounds) of beans have been seized, he said. Cocoa farmers who need money will try to sell the beans before they are properly dried, said Sama Aloysius, an unauthorized buyer, in a phone interview. “When the farmer is in dire need of money to buy his kerosene, rice or cooking oil, he looks for us, sometimes with cocoa as small as five kilograms,” he said. Cameroon Cocoa Farmgate price advances 1.5% in Week Bloomberg By Pius Lukong Feb 1, 2012 Cameroon’s average national farmgate cocoa price rose 1.5 percent to 959 CFA francs ($1.92) per kilogram (2.2 pounds) in the week to Jan. 30, the Cameroon National Association of Cocoa and Coffee Producers said in a mobile-phone text message today. The following is a table of regional farmgate rates, with prices per kilogram in CFA francs. Southwest -Kumba 970 -Mamfe 950 South 935 Center 970 Littoral 970 Average 959 Processing & Manufacturing Business & Economy Labour Issues Environmental Issue COCOA PRODUCERS’ ALLIANCE, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX TAFAWA BALEWA SQUARE, P.O. BOX 1718, LAGOS, NIGERIA. TEL: +234(0)1-263-5574 FAX: +234(0)1-263-5684 Email: econs@copal-cpa.org Website: www.copal-cpa.org 13 Research & Development Tulane grad invents toothpaste from cocoa The Hullabaloo Online February 3, 2012 As CEO of New Orleans-based Theodent, Tulane alumnus Arman Sadeghpour, right, debuts an innovative chocolate-based toothpaste with his mentor Tetsuo Nakamoto of the LSU School of Dentistry. Toothpaste Tulane grad invents toothpaste from cocoa Nadeen Saqer The Tulane Hullabaloo | 0 comments New Orleans company called Theodent launched its namesake product, a new toothpaste, Jan. 2. The toothpaste was developed by Doctor Tetsuo Nakamoto, who did his doctoral thesis at Tulane University. Unlike most toothpastes, Theodent contains Rennou, a natural substitute to fluoride that is derived from cocoa extract. Doctor Tetsuo Nakamoto, professor at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and co-founder of Theodent, originally discovered the extract while studying the effects of caffeine on pre-natal teeth in the 1980s. Doctor Arman Sadeghpour, co-founder, CEO and President of Theodent, researched the effects of the extract with Nakamoto discovered that Rennou strengthens enamel while working on his thesis. They acquired three different patents for the product and launched its release through the Bioinnovation Center in New Orleans. Sadeghpour said that the toothpaste can be found in Whole Foods and on the Theodent website, theodent.com. Theodent is a groundbreaking innovation in the dental field. "There has been no innovation in toothpaste for over 100 years," Sadeghpour said. "Rennou is the patented alternative to toothpaste." The founders wanted to keep the company and technology in New Orleans to allow for further innovation, especially after Hurricane Katrina. "It's encouraging that Tulane has brought about these types of research opportunities," freshman Eric Fagan said. "I'm planning on doing research, so it's great." This toothpaste uses all natural products instead of fluoride. "I think this is a very important movement in the right direction," freshman Mariana Altman said. Promotion & Consumption Condoms and Cocoa raises for AIDS Yale Daily News By Michelle Hackman February 1, 2012 Thanks to a fundraiser, Yalies can send each other condoms this week for a good cause. The undergraduate community service group behind AIDS Walk New Haven has launched a fundraiser this week, “Condoms and Cocoa Grams,” to raise money for its April 15 event. Students can purchase a “gram” gift bag with a condom and a packet of hot cocoa mix for $3 during dinner hours on Monday to Wednesday in COCOA PRODUCERS’ ALLIANCE, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX TAFAWA BALEWA SQUARE, P.O. BOX 1718, LAGOS, NIGERIA. TEL: +234(0)1-263-5574 FAX: +234(0)1-263-5684 Email: econs@copal-cpa.org Website: www.copal-cpa.org 14 residential college dining halls and during lunch on Thursday in the Commons rotunda. The effort represents one of the group’s many sources of funding for its annual walk in April which donates its funds to nine nonprofit organizations, including Planned Parenthood and the AIDS Interfaith Network. “Even though the issue is one of global significance, the work we’re doing directly affects the greater New Haven area,” said Leah Campbell ’15, the publicity coordinator of AIDS Walk New Haven. “We’re raising awareness for an international problem, but with a focus on the people affected by it much closer to home which helps make the problem much more immediate and personal.” The organization set up in three dining halls Monday and Tuesday night, and plans to solicit in five dining halls on Wednesday night, coordinators said. Other than a few samples created to show to customers, the group has not created any of its cocoa grams yet. It will do so in its Thursday night meeting, said Adam Ford ’13, one of the group’s co-coordinators, and then distribute the cocoa grams on Friday and Saturday. Ford said that he expects the fundraiser will raise approximately $350 which will go toward preparing for the walk. Ford said the idea originated last year when the group planned a “condoms and candy canes” fundraiser for the holidays that was never ultimately carried out. “We were expecting snow and cold around the end of January, so hot cocoa seemed appropriate,” Ford said. Isaac Wasserman ’14 said he bought one because he felt it was a creative way to support something that mattered to him. “I ended up asking that a condom and cocoa gram be sent to my twin brother,” he said. “More as a joke, but also because I don’t feel like becoming an uncle yet.” The primary focus of the organization is to host an annual 5K walk through New Haven in which both undergraduates and other city residents participate. Each year, the organization raises about $20,000 to put on the walk, Ford said. The funding comes from on-campus events such as the cocoa grams and partly through deals with local restaurants and businesses, said Sheila Enamandram ’13, one of the co-coordinators of AIDS Walk New Haven in 2011. The group also works extensively with the network of organizations in the Mayor’s Task Force on AIDS. Enamandram said that last year’s event raised more money than any other in its history, with a total of $24,000 raised by the end of the summer. The unprecedented success may have been partially due to appearances by Sen. Richard Blumenthal LAW ’73 (D-Conn.) and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse’s (D-R.I.), who headlined the event. Campbell said that the organization intends to advertise its event more heavily to undergraduates this year. “In the past, we’ve been able to connect well with the New Haven community and there has always been a great turnout of locals,” Campbell said. “But we have never gotten as many Yale students as some other events like Relay for Life.” The organization will hold its other major pre-walk fundraiser, the Red Hot Fashion Show, in conjunction with undergraduate art and fashion group Y-Couture in February. Cote d'Ivoire: Country and Ghana to Streamline Cocoa Production and Marketing AllAfrica.com 1 February 2012 A report on the state broadcaster RTI-TV said that Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana have formed a joint technical committee to streamline cocoa production and marketing in both countries. According to the report, this committee was formed during a meeting between Ivorian Minister of Agriculture Mamadou Sangafowa Coulibaly and Ghanaian officials. The committee is expected to regulate price differentials and prevent cocoa smuggling across the border to maximize benefit for cocoa farmers, the report said. The report also quoted a Ghanaian official as saying that the decision for the formation of the technical committee to man cocoa operations in both countries was discussed by President John Evans Atta Mills and his Ivorian counterpart, Alassane Ouattara. This daily press review is compiled by the Information Section of the Public Affairs Office of the American Embassy in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. The opinions expressed in these reviews in no way reflect the views of the COCOA PRODUCERS’ ALLIANCE, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX TAFAWA BALEWA SQUARE, P.O. BOX 1718, LAGOS, NIGERIA. TEL: +234(0)1-263-5574 FAX: +234(0)1-263-5684 Email: econs@copal-cpa.org Website: www.copal-cpa.org 15 United States Government and are presented for informational purposes only. The accuracy of reports contained in this summary has not been confirmed by the Embassy. Others Cameroon Cocoa caterpillar attacks drop after Rains, Pesticides Bloomberg By Pius Lukong Jan 30, 2012 Heavy rains this weekend in Cameroon’s main cocoa production area drove away caterpillars that have been attacking the crop during the past three weeks, the Ministry of Agriculture said. The caterpillars had fallen on cocoa leaves in the southwest region and “consumed them with an aggressive appetite,” Nkeangnyi Laurence, a ministry delegate for Manyu said by phone today, in Mamfe, about 550 kilometers (342 miles) outside of Yaounde, the capital. “This is certainly going to affect production this season,” Laurence said. Plants take a year to recuperate, James Mosima, vice president of the Cameroon National Association of Cocoa and Coffee Producers, said in a phone interview from his cocoa farm in Konye. “We are happy the attack has subsided,” he said, adding pesticides had also helped. Mosima and Laurence said several hectares of cocoa had been destroyed by the caterpillar attacks and declined to give a more specific estimate. About 240,000 metric tons of cocoa was produced in the Central African nation in 2010-11, with the southwest region contributing 60 percent. COCOA PRODUCERS’ ALLIANCE, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX TAFAWA BALEWA SQUARE, P.O. BOX 1718, LAGOS, NIGERIA. TEL: +234(0)1-263-5574 FAX: +234(0)1-263-5684 Email: econs@copal-cpa.org Website: www.copal-cpa.org 16