COPAL COCOA Info A Weekly Newsletter of Cocoa Producers' Alliance 21st – 25th March 2011 Cocoa Producers' Alliance In-House Cocoa Newsletter Issue No. 432 UP-COMING EVENTS IN THIS ISSUE INSIDE THIS ISSE: ICCO DAILY COCOA PRICES 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 Rich in Health Benefits Eating Cocoa Associated with Improved Heart Health Dark chocolate lowers blood pressure, blood sugar A new twist to cocoa A new twist to cocoa AHA: Flavonoid-Rich Cocoa May Reduce Cardiovascular Risk Production and Quality Ghana Shares Cocoa Know-How With Liberia Puratos Group expands chocolate production in Brazil Nigeria cocoa mid crop gets boost from good weather Ivory Coast Cocoa Disruptions Are of ‘Great Concern,’ ICCO Says Smallholders Encouraged To Venture Into Cocoa Planting The Market Ivorian cocoa arrivals seen at 1,040,000 T by March 20 Nestle expects to raise prices 1.6 percent in 2011 Cocoa Rises as Ivory Coast Conflict Escalates; Coffee Advances Produce Buying of Ghana Rises to Two-Year High on Cocoa, Funds Ivorian cocoa prices continue slide on export halt Business & Economy Cocoa exporters say Ivorian export embargo holding Sao Tome and Principe cocoa exports total US$5.6 million in 2010 Labour Issues Child labour-free cocoa ‘almost impossible,’ Nestlé head says Environmental Issue Research & Development Promotion & Consumption Others Easter chocolate treats from Divine Processing & Manufacturing ICCO Daily Cocoa Prices ICCO Daily Price (SDR/tonne) ICCO Daily price ($US/tonne) London futures (£/tonne) New York futures ($US/tonne) 21st March 2052.36 3260.66 2052.33 3183.00 22nd March 2091.05 3333.26 2086.76 3259.00 23rd March 2089.37 3318.59 2089.00 3251.33 24th March 2058.01 3266.33 2073.67 3202.67 25th March 2082.47 3304.29 2109.00 3239.67 Average 2075.00 3297.00 2082.00 3227.00 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 21st March Month 2011 Opening Trans Settle Change Daily High Daily Low Volume May 2011 1996 2050 47 2069 1988 11,375 Jul 2011 2003 2051 43 2068 1994 4,758 Sep 2011 2012 2056 38 2073 2005 2,118 Dec 2011 2022 2063 35 2076S 2013 2,662 Mar 2012 2026 2068 37 2082 2019 293 May 2012 2050 2072 38 2088 2022 42 Jul-12 2086 2072 38 2086S 2085S 8 Sep-12 2086 2072 38 2086S 2086S 4 Dec 2012 2090 2079 38 2090S 2090S 4 2067 38 Mar 2013 Average/Totals 0 2065 Tuesday 22nd March 21,264 2011 Opening Trans Settle Change High Low Volume May 2011 2048 2089 39 2092 2036 6,550 Jul 2011 2049 2085 34 2086 2036 3,951 Sep 2011 2055 2086 30 2088S 2041 1,069 Dec 2011 2061 2093 30 2095S 2049 773 Mar 2012 2064 2101 33 2103 2060 681 May 2012 2069 2104 32 2104 2067S 48 Jul-12 2066 2104 32 2098S 2058S 15 Sep-12 2070 2104 32 2100S 2061 11 Dec 2012 2072 2113 34 2111S 2072S 91 2099 32 Month Mar 2013 Average/Totals Wednesday Month 0 2098 23rd March 13,189 2011 Opening Trans Settle Change High 2089 0 2089 4 2089 Mar 2012 2089 2085 2085 2086 2095 May 2012 May 2011 Jul 2011 Sep 2011 Dec 2011 Low Volume 2118 2076 4,175 2112 2074S 2,286 3 2112 2075 730 2096 3 2119 2084 494 2104 3 2125 2095 107 2097 2108 4 2120 2097S 51 5 Jul-12 2109 2108 4 2112S 2109 Sep-12 2111 2108 4 2111S 2110S 3 Dec 2012 2119 2118 5 2135S 2118S 95 2104 5 Mar 2013 Average/Totals 2101 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 0 7,946 3 Thursday Month 24th March 2011 Opening Trans Settle Change High Low Volume May 2011 2074 2074 -15 2084 2044 4,896 Jul 2011 2071 2074 -15 2082 2043 2,776 Sep 2011 2078 2073 -16 2082S 2041 669 Dec 2011 2085 2076 -20 2087S 2050 727 Mar 2012 2092 2086 -18 2097S 2060 548 May 2012 2087 2089 -19 2101 2071 182 Jul-12 2074 2074S 2074S 50 2089 -19 Sep-12 2094 -14 0 Dec 2012 2104 -14 0 Mar 2013 2090 -14 0 Average/Totals 2085 Friday 25th March Month 9,848 2011 Opening Trans Settle Change High Low Volume May 2011 2079 2111 37 2136 2069 4,118 Jul 2011 2076 2109 35 2132 2069 3,148 Sep 2011 2077 2107 34 2133S 2069 582 Dec 2011 2078 2104 28 2132S 2074S 1,194 Mar 2012 2084 2111 25 2135 2084 204 May 2012 2103 2114 25 2133 2092 26 Jul-12 2114 2115 26 2114 2114 1 Sep-12 2121 27 0 Dec 2012 2132 28 0 Mar 2013 2118 28 0 Average/Totals 2114 9,273 Average for the week 2114 12304 61,520 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 4 New York Board of Trade (New York Futures Market – Summary of Trading Activities) (US$ per tone) Monday 21st March Month 2011 Open Price Change High Low Volume May 2011 3120 3189 62 3220 3103 12,635 Jul 2011 3120 3189 58 3215 3104 2,708 Sep 2011 3127 3192 57 3219 3110 638 Dec 2011 3127 3197 63 3218 3115 906 Mar 2012 3204 3243 71 3252 3165 78 May 2012 3160 3237 72 3243 3158 23 Jul 2012 3231 3238 73 3231 3231 2 Sep 2012 3221 3230 71 3221 3221 4 Dec 2012 0 3239 67 0 0 0 Average/Totals 3217 Tuesday 22nd March Month 16994 2011 Open Price Change High Low Volume May 2011 3179 3263 74 3265 3150 7,699 Jul 2011 3190 3261 72 3264 3176 2,479 Sep 2011 3195 3261 69 3262 3187 704 Dec 2011 3205 3268 71 3258 3192 357 Mar 2012 3248 3306 63 3300 3236 128 May 2012 3254 3303 66 3255 3253 3 Jul 2012 0 3305 67 0 0 0 Sep 2012 0 3297 67 0 0 0 Dec 2012 0 3306 67 0 0 Average/Totals 3286 Wednesday Month 23rd March 0 11370 2011 Open Price Change High Low Volume May 2011 3255 3251 -12 3290 3233 7,219 Jul 2011 3261 3252 -9 3289 3228 2,644 Sep 2011 3269 3252 -9 3288 3231 396 Dec 2011 3276 3257 -11 3295 3240 524 Mar 2012 3308 3289 -17 3324 3271 72 May 2012 0 3290 -13 0 0 0 Jul 2012 0 3292 -13 0 0 0 Sep 2012 0 3286 -11 0 0 0 Dec 2012 0 3296 -10 0 0 Average/Totals 3274 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 0 10855 5 Thursday Month 24th March 2011 Open Price Change High Low Volume May 2011 3236 3203 -48 3240 3176 6,155 Jul 2011 3233 3204 -48 3234 3177 1,540 Sep 2011 3206 3205 -47 3225 3180 253 Dec 2011 3210 3209 -48 3228 3192 211 Mar 2012 3259 3242 -47 3259 3240 5 May 2012 3245 3246 -44 3247 3245 12 Jul 2012 0 3249 -43 0 0 1 Sep 2012 0 3243 -43 0 0 1 Dec 2012 0 3253 -43 0 0 Average/Totals 3228 Friday 25th March 0 8178 2011 Month Open Price Change High Low Volume May 2011 3222 3242 39 3290 3199 7,947 Jul 2011 3240 3244 40 3287 3200 3,069 Sep 2011 3229 3247 42 3280 3201 989 Dec 2011 3227 3244 35 3272 3201 598 Mar 2012 3277 3275 33 3277 3277 14 May 2012 0 3278 32 0 0 0 Jul 2012 0 3281 32 0 0 0 Sep 2012 0 3275 32 0 0 0 Dec 2012 3299 3286 33 3315 3238 14 Average/Totals Average for the week 2118 12631 3149 2526 2526 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 6 News NEWS Health Nutrit Health and and Nutrition Cocoa Rich in Health Benefits Cocoa Consumption May Decrease Blood Pressure, Improve Cholesterol, Researchers Say WebMD By Bill Hendrick, WebMD Health News March 23, 2011 Cocoa, used throughout history as a folk medicine, may actually have significant health benefits, according to a new study by Harvard researchers. Their analysis of 21 studies with 2,575 participants shows that cocoa consumption is associated with decreased blood pressure, improved blood vessel health, and improvement in cholesterol levels, among other benefits. Eric L. Ding, PhD, of Harvard Medical School says the apparent health benefits come from polyphenolic flavonoids in cocoa that have the potential to prevent heart disease. Flavonoids are antioxidants that are commonly found in fruits, vegetables, tea, wine, and coffee. Cocoa Flavonoids Good for Cholesterol In addition to decreasing blood pressure and improving blood vessel health, consumption of flavonoid-rich cocoa decreased “bad” LDL cholesterol among people under age 50, and increased good HDL cholesterol, the analysis showed. Flavonoid-rich cocoa consumption also was linked to reductions in risk factors for diabetes -- a major risk factor itself for cardiovascular disease. Also, resistance to the hormone insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar, favorably dropped among people who consumed flavonoid-rich cocoa, compared to people in comparison groups. Further, consumption of flavonoid-rich cocoa did not change triglyceride levels of study participants or make them obese. Triglycerides are a type of blood fat that have been linked to coronary artery disease when levels are elevated above normal. More Research Needed to Nail Down Benefits of Cocoa Most of the previous studies analyzed were short-term research projects using mostly sugar-free, dark chocolate. Ding and his colleagues say in the new study that because most chocolate is high in added sugar and fat, more research is needed to determine the risk-benefit effect on the heart health of eating commercially available chocolate. Though past studies by Ding and others have found that cocoa may reduce heart attack risk, the dosage necessary to produce this effect is not known, and further research is needed to shed more light on that question, as well as on cocoa’s direct benefits on preventing strokes and heart attacks, according to a news release. The new research is being presented in Atlanta at the American Heart Association’s Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism/Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention 2011 Scientific Sessions. Eating Cocoa Associated with Improved Heart Health KBOI 24/03/2011 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 (BOSTON) -- For years we've heard about the health benefits of dark chocolate. Now researchers have taken another look at the role of cocoa on heart health and presented their study to a conference at Harvard Medical School. Chocolate comes from the cocoa plant and contains compounds known as flavonoids, which not only act as antioxidants but are known to have cardiovascular benefits. Jack Hollingsworth/Thinkstock Researchers reviewed 21 studies on the effects of cocoa on the the heart. The studies were short term and the more than 2,500 participants consumed sugar-free dark chocolate. The authors found that eating chocolate lowered blood pressure and improved the ability of insulin to lower blood sugar "without weight gain." They concluded chocolate is good for the heart. However, they didn't say how much is needed or for how long one should enjoy its benefits. Dark chocolate lowers blood pressure, blood sugar ABC7Chicago.com March 25, 2011 March 24, 2011 (WLS) -- We have been hearing for years about the health benefits of dark chocolate, but researchers are gaining insight into why cocoa seems to do the heart good. Chocolate comes from the cocoa tree and contains compounds called flavonoids. They act not only as antioxidants but are known to have cardiovascular benefits. A review of 21 studies found that eating unsweetened dark chocolate lowered blood pressure and improved the ability of insulin to lower blood sugar. 2,600-plus participants were part of this short term research, which was recently presented at a Harvard Medical School conference. A new twist to cocoa A new twist to cocoa The Sun Daily 25/03/2011 STARBUCKS welcomes Spring 2011 with a showcase of celebrated beverages and premium mini indulgent treats. Introducing a new twist to the all-time classic beverage, Starbucks presents Cocoa Cappuccino and Iced Cocoa Cappuccino. Cocoa Cappuccino (right) entices with fresh espresso layered with bittersweet mocha sauce. With just the right amount of steamed or cold milk and foam before finishing with a drizzle of mocha sauce and a dusting of cocoa powder to top it off, it is a heart-warming drink to remember To thank loyal customers for their support over the last four decades, Starbucks has introduced a special signature roast, the Starbucks Tribute Blend for a limited duration. A spicy and full-bodied blend with dark cherry notes, the Tribute Blend uses Aged Sumatra, natural-processed Ethiopia, and beans from Papua New Guinea and Colombia, a first for Starbucks as it offers a combination from all 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 three coffee-growing regions and all three processing methods. "We’re proud to share this momentous occasion with all our customers who have ever relied on the comforting warmth or delightful chill of a signature Starbucks beverage to perk up their day. "The Starbucks Tribute Blend is testimony to our continued dedication and passion to excite and inspire coffee aficionados the world over," said Sydney Quays, marketing and communications director of Berjaya Starbucks Coffee. "As we move into the next 40 years as a company and as a brand, we would like to thank our customers with inspired levels of customer service, a dedication to the highest quality of espresso excellence they have come to depend on us for, exceptional coffees, and a renewal of our brand to inspire what the future holds. "We’ve added an element of surprise to our extensive menu – Cake Pops! And this is definitely neither your usual cake nor lollipop." Cake Pops are delightful bite-sized treats. They come in two variations – Birthday Cake Pop or Rock ‘n’ Roll Cake Pop. Starbucks is also introducing new merchandise like mugs and tumblers for customers to take home. AHA: Flavonoid-Rich Cocoa May Reduce Cardiovascular Risk Doctors Lounge March 25, 2011. Consuming flavonoid-rich cocoa may reduce cardiovascular risk, according to a meta-analysis presented at the American Heart Association's Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism/Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention 2011 Scientific Sessions, held from March 22 to 25 in Atlanta. FRIDAY, March 25 (HealthDay News) -- Consuming flavonoid-rich cocoa may reduce cardiovascular risk, according to a meta-analysis presented at the American Heart Association's Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Metabolism/Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention 2011 Scientific Sessions, held from March 22 to 25 in Atlanta. Scott R. Bauer, from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, and colleagues examined the effect and dose-response relationship of flavonoid-rich cocoa on cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors. A total of 21 randomized trials comprising 2,575 participants were included in the analysis. The investigators found that the consumption of cocoa flavonoids was associated with a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (̶2.91 mm Hg), and a 1.48 percent increase in brachial artery flow-mediated dilation. Flavonoid-rich cocoa intake correlated significantly with decreased insulin resistance, and an increased Insulin Sensitivity Index, but it did not affect fasting blood glucose and body mass index (BMI). A modest decrease was seen in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (P = 0.07), and total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol remained unchanged. Younger patients (average age less than 50 years) also experienced a decrease in triglycerides. "The consumption of flavonoid-rich cocoa was overall favorable for cardiovascular risk, notably in improving blood pressure, insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity, flow-mediated vascular dilation, and possibly LDL, without adverse effects on fasting glucose or BMI," the authors write. Dark Chocolate Still Holds Up to Be Healthy for You Source: HealthDay News Fitcommerce Mar 26, 2011 New research suggests that the cocoa ingredient found abundantly in dark chocolate may lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels while preventing diabetes and improving the health of blood vessels. The study relied on mostly sugar-free dark chocolate. Participants who ate the chocolate, which contained cocoa rich in substances known as 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 polyphenolic flavonoids improved their blood pressure. Meanwhile LDL cholesterol was lower while HDL cholesterol was higher. Dark Chocolate Chunks Dark chocolate has been found to be healthy, but in moderation. The trick is to break the bar into chunks and have just one piece a few times during the week. Past studies have already determined that chocolate contains polyphenols, the same kinds of antioxidants found in red wine and green tea; stearic acid; and flavonoids, which reduce the stickiness of platelets, inhibiting blood clotting and reducing the danger of coronary artery blockages. Chocolate is believed to increase blood flow to the brain, and it may also improve blood sugar and insulin sensitivity, thus reducing diabetes risk. It's the Dark Chocolate, Dummy The benefits of chocolate lie with dark chocolate, not the sugary milk chocolate displayed at the counters of convenience stores. Those products contain far too much sugar and would offset any health gains by the cocoa they contain. The greater the percentage of cocoa, the higher the concentration of health promoting flavonoids. Most milk chocolate contains up to 50% cocoa, while some inexpensive chocolates contain as little as 7% cocoa. Look for dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa to maximize the flavonoids. Since there is so much less sugar, the dark chocolate may take a little getting used to. The Downside of Chocolate Although these findings are good news for chocolate lovers, take all things in moderation. Eating too much chocolate can lead to weight gain, which might cancel out any beneficial effects that chocolate bestows. For example A standard-sized bar of Hershey's Dark Chocolate has 531 calories, compared with 150 calories from an ounce of dark chocolate or about six Hershey's Kisses. These findings are not a license to overindulge. People should try limit themselves to an ounce of pure dark chocolate just a few times a week. About the Study The findings, which came from an analysis of data from 21 high-quality studies that included a total of 2,575 participants, were presented at an American Heart Association conference in Atlanta. Production & Quality Ghana Shares Cocoa Know-How With Liberia AllAfrica.com By Samuel Hinneh 21 March 2011 Accra — Liberia's cocoa industry, destroyed by its recent civil war, could be revitalised by a collaboration with Ghana, one of the world's major cocoa producers. Representatives from both countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) earlier this month (4 March), with the aim of boosting each other's agricultural research activities. The Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana and Liberia's Central Agricultural Research Institute will set up reciprocal arrangements for visiting scientists and implement mutually agreed projects. "Liberia used to produce cocoa - it was a member of the old West Africa Cocoa Research Institute," Yaw AduAmpomah, deputy chief executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board - which facilitated the MoU with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture's Sustainable Tree Crops Program (STCP) - told SciDev.Net. 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 Adu-Ampomah said that the United States, through the STCP, is keen to help Liberia but the country lacks cocoa-producing capacity - which is where Ghana comes in. Ghana will provide expertise to Liberian farmers on planting crops in the most effective way. "We will send some technicians to Liberia, and Liberia will send some to Ghana to receive training in nursery activities and providing agricultural services," he said. Adu-Ampomah added that the United States will partly fund seedling production, transport of materials to Liberia, access to credit facilities to enable planting, and costs of technical intervention. The Liberian government is funding its farmers - mostly technicians - and technology transfer. The first step will involve gathering together Liberia's farmers, producing the seedlings and harvesting and processing them into a form that can be flown to Liberia and transported to the farmers. The collaboration, Adu-Ampomah said, is driven by the aims of the Economic Community of West African States, which seeks to promote economic integration within West Africa. Although the collaboration is primarily focusing on cocoa, it can involve other important crops, he added. "Liberia has a slight advantage in coffee production, which Ghana can learn from. It also has a diverse range of coffee varieties and Ghana could obtain some seeds from Liberia to revitalise its coffee industry." Derrick Mills, programme officer at the Ghana Agricultural Associations Business and Information Centre, said that the collaboration will improve the agricultural sectors of both countries through technology transfer. "The capacity building of the research institutions will be enhanced and Ghana will also be able rejuvenate its coffee industry. Liberian and Ghanaian farmers will also be able to share knowledge and so improve productivity," he said. Puratos Group expands chocolate production in Brazil Baking Management Mar 22, 2011 Save a link to this article and return to it at www.savethis.comSave a link to this article and return to it at www.savethis.com Email a link to this articleEmail a link to this article Printer-friendly version of this articlePrinter-friendly version of this article View a list of the most popular articles on our siteView a list of the most popular articles on our site RH RSS Feed ShareThis Following the acquisition of a majority shareholding stake in Floresta do Rio Doce Agroderivados (Linhares, Brazil), Puratos enters into chocolate production in Brazil. Floresta do Rio Doce started in May 2010 as the first origin cocoa factory in Brazil. Located in Linhares, the third cocoa plantation region of Brazil, Floresta do Rio Doce marks a new era in the history of Brazilian cocoa plantations. Using processes and technology developed locally, the unit had an initial capacity to grinding 2,500 tons of cocoa beans per year. With an initial investment of 4 million EURO, Floresta do Rio Doce built the first cocoa liquor production line in a building of 1.500 m² and a land of 40.000 m², close to more than 450 cocoa farms. The excellence of the cocoa liquor is guaranteed through all stages of the process, from the plantation of the fruit to the fermentation process on the farm and the industrialization of the final product. The expansion of the cocoa mass lines will continue in 2011, together with the construction of a new chocolate factory in Linhares in the province of Espiritu Santo. In March, Floresta do Rio Doce starts producing the Puratos chocolate Chocolanté and Carat, besides its traditional brands Vitto and Norcau. Eddy Van Belle, chairman of the Puratos Group, says: “Already during my visit in 2009, I was impressed by the potential and quality of the cocoa in the region of Linhares for the production of premium and origin chocolates. For Puratos, the acquisition of Floresta do Rio Doce marked the start of a new era of origin chocolate in Brazil. But Floresta do Rio Doce also represents a new value chain example for the chocolate and cocoa industry, where farmers, chocolatiers and end consumers are brought together to exchange ideas and know-how, in a genuine and innovative Puratos’ approach.” About Puratos 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 Puratos is an international group producing ingredients for the bakery, patisserie and the chocolate sectors with a specific focus on artisans, retailers and industrial clients. Through its vertically integrated production of enzymes, emulsifiers and sourdoughs, Puratos is able to offer its clients a unique knowledge of ingredients, as well as an expertise in applications and innovative solutions. With a turnover of 1 billion euro Puratos has a global presence in over 100 countries, with 53 production sites. The head office is established in GrootBijgaarden (Brussels), Belgium. Nigeria cocoa mid crop gets boost from good weather YTWHW By ZhongYuanWe edit-zhongyuanwei@ytwhw.com 2011-03-25 (YTWHW.com) - A mix of rainfall and sunshine in Nigeria's main cocoa growing regions in the last two months has helped the mid crop develop and lowered the risk of damp-related plant diseases, farmers and buyers said on Friday. The October-March main crop ends next week and good weather has made Nigerian farmers upbeat that the smaller mid crop, which begins in late April will be robust. "We had enough rainfall in February and we also had some in the first two weeks of March. So far, indications from the farms are good," Ade Adeshida, a farm manager with an international cocoa exporter, told Reuters. "If the rains continue that way, there is no reason why the light crop should not be good," Adeshida said by phone from Akure, capital of southwestern Ondo state, which accounts for around 40 percent of Nigeria's cocoa output. The April-September mid crop in the world's number 4 cocoa grower is also known as the light crop because the beans are lighter in weight and cheaper than the main crop. The mid crop comes in at around 50,000-60,000 tonnes a year. Farmers and buyers in the second main cocoa growing state of Cross River, which shares the same weather with neighbouring Cameroon, also said their farms saw sporadic rainfall and good sunshine in February and March and expect the crop to be strong. "We have had a good mix of rainfall and sunshine since last month, this is a sign this year's crop will be better than last," Neji Abang Neji, secretary of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria told Reuters from Calabar, capital of Cross River state. The showers enhanced soil moisture, enough to sustain trees that are flowering, while the sunny spells helped keep at bay the risk of the fungal black pod disease, which affects 30-40 percent of Nigeria's annual output, growers said. They said too much rainfall at this stage of the crop would wash away the flowers, meaning the crop will not be plentiful. The flowers would develop into cherelles (young fruits) by the end of April or early May while the pods would be ripe for harvest after some weeks. Many Nigerian farmers have been encouraged by record high cocoa prices in recent times to adopt more modern techniques and tend their plantations more closely. The farmgate price of Nigerian cocoa beans fell 4 percent on average in the last month after the historic high of 550,000 naira ($3,514) a tonne reached in February discouraged buyers, dealers said last week. But even with the dip, the price was higher than the international market price of cocoa beans. Ivory Coast Cocoa Disruptions Are of ‘Great Concern,’ ICCO Says Bloomberg By Isis Almeida at Ialmeida3@bloomberg.net Mar 25, 2011 Ivory Coast cocoa disruptions are of “great concern” to chocolate makers as some farmers can’t sell their beans from the world’s largest grower, International Cocoa Organization Executive Director Jean-Marc Anga said. Supplies from the West African nation have been disrupted since Jan. 24 when Alassane Ouattara, the internationally recognized winner of a Nov. 28 presidential election, imposed an export ban on cocoa to cut off funds for incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo who refuses to step down. Beans registered for export from the country were down 94 percent in the two weeks to March 17, according to an official with access to the data. 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 “If for a number of months no cocoa comes out of Ivory Coast, eventually this will be a serious matter,” Anga said at a press conference in London today. Cocoa prices have climbed 13 percent in London since the election. The Ouattara government has appointed Aly Toure as its representative for commodities in London and he attended ICCO meetings this week, Anga said. As many as 1 million people have fled violence in Ivory Coast’s commercial capital, Abidjan, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said, as France’s ambassador to the UN warned the West African nation was “very close to civil war.” The Ivory Coast harvests its main crop starting in October and usually has a smaller one starting in April. Ghana Exports Cocoa supply disruptions from Ivory Coast are benefiting producers in Ghana, the second-biggest grower, according to Tony Fofie, chief executive officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board. Exports this year may increase to 600,000 metric tons from 400,000 tons in 2010, Fofie said in an interview at the press conference today. Ghana plans to increase production to 1 million tons in the next two years, he said. Cocoa production will exceed demand by 119,000 tons in the 2010-11 season that started Oct. 1, the ICCO said in its first estimate for the current crop on March 1. The shortage a year earlier was 66,000 tons, it said. Output in Ivory Coast was expected to rise 6.7 percent to 1.325 million tons, it said. Smallholders Encouraged to venture into Cocoa Planting Bernama March 26, 2011 KOTA KINABALU, March 26 (Bernama) -- The Plantation Industries and Commodities Ministry is encouraging more smallholders to venture into cocoa cultivation as it was an important industry with tremendous spin-off effects on the economy. Its Minister, Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, said there were only few cocoa plantations in Malaysia and if smallholders get more involved in the cultivation of the commodity, it would reduce dependence on foreign workers. The current grinding capacity of about 360,000 tonnes only met five per cent of the country's cocoa requirements and the rest was imported from Indonesia and the Ivory Coast, he told reporters after the annual general meeting of the Penampang Cocoa Entrepreneurs Association. Dompok, however, said Malaysia had the capacity to produce and export cocoa-based products on a much larger scale. "Look at the import and export aspects. If you buy 95 per cent of the beans, once it has been grinded and exported in finished and semi-finished products, then you are actually exporting the same amount of products and materials. "If you get a farmer to plant it and, at the same time, process and export it, that means you have created a lot of economic spin-off," he said. The Market Ivorian cocoa arrivals seen at 1,040,000 T by March 20 Reuters Africa Mar 21, 2011 ABIDJAN (Reuters) - Cocoa arrivals at ports in top grower Ivory Coast reached around 1,040,000 tonnes by March 20, exporters estimated on Monday, compared with 878,679 tonnes in the same period of the previous season. 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 Exporters estimated around 3,000 tonnes of beans were delivered to the West African state's two ports between March 14 to March 20, down from 8,525 tonnes in the same week a year ago. Nestle expects to raise prices 1.6 percent in 2011 Reuters UK By Michelle Nichols Mar 22, 2011 NEW YORK (Reuters) - Nestle AG (NESN.VX), the world's biggest food maker, expects to raise prices by 1.6 percent in 2011, the company chairman said on Tuesday, similar to last year's increase despite soaring raw material costs. Peter Brabeck-Letmathe told Reuters Insider that the company, which makes Nescafe coffee and Gerber baby food, would spend an extra $3.5 billion (2.1 billion pounds) on raw materials in 2011, but more than half of that would be absorbed internally. "I don't think that this is something that will go away, frankly speaking, I think we have to learn to live with higher raw material costs," Brabeck said. "The total cost of the increase will be in the order of $3.5 billion." "I would expect ... price increases in the order of 1.6 percent, something like this," he said. Soaring commodity costs are forcing big food companies to push up their own prices and slash internal costs, as they battle to keep their growth targets on track. Nestle also raised prices by 1.6 percent last year and Jon Cox, an analyst at Kepler Capital Markets, said the similar forecast for 2011 seems a bit low. "I assume (it could be) somewhere closer to 2 percent," he said. "However, maybe it reflects the fact many commodities are now coming down again, such as cocoa and wheat." Nestle said in February that strong demand in emerging markets would help it offset a steep rise in input costs in 2011 after it beat sales forecasts for 2010. Full-year net profit rose to 34.2 billion Swiss francs, including proceeds from the sale of its remaining stake in eyecare group Alcon Inc (ACL.N) to pharma group Novartis AG (NOVN.VX). Peers Danone SA (DANO.PA) and Unilever Group (ULVR.L) (UNc.AS) recently said they were confident about passing on higher costs but Kraft Foods (KFT.N) lowered its 2011 forecast for earnings growth as it expects some consumers to resist price increases. Commodities such as coffee, cocoa and sugar have hit the highest prices for three decades, while grains, vegetable oils and crude oil have also risen. "For me it is very clear, there is only one message -- no food for fuel," Brabeck said of the global food inflation that has sparked unrest in the Middle East. "I don't think in today's world it is correct to use food for fuel when we have more than one billion people going hungry to bed." Cocoa Rises as Ivory Coast Conflict Escalates; Coffee Advances Bloomberg By Isis Almeida at Ialmeida3@bloomberg.net Mar 23, 2011 Cocoa climbed for a third day in London on concerns supplies of the beans may be further disrupted as conflict escalates in Ivory Coast, the world’s largest producer. Coffee advanced. West African leaders must find ways of ousting Ivory Coast’s incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo to avoid a civil war, Louise Arbour, president of the International Crisis Group, said yesterday. A meeting of the Economic Community of West African States in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, today and tomorrow should agree to mobilize military forces to protect civilians in Ivory Coast, Arbour said in an open letter to Ecowas presidents. 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 “It looks like cocoa has found some buying support,” Keith Flury, an analyst at Rabobank International in London, said in an e-mail today. “With so much uncertainty over future supply out of Ivory Coast still, prices could only fall so far.” Cocoa for May delivery rose 18 pounds, or 0.9 percent, to 2,107 pounds ($3,432) a metric ton at 10:49 a.m. on NYSE Liffe in London. The price fell as much as 6 percent on March 18. Cocoa for May delivery climbed 0.7 percent to $3,286 a ton on ICE Futures U.S. in New York. Ivory Coast has been wracked by violence between Gbagbo’s security forces and supporters of Alassane Ouattara, the internationally-recognized winner of the disputed Nov. 28 elections. Cocoa supplies from the country have been disrupted since Jan. 24, when Ouattara imposed an export ban in a bid to cut off funds for Gbagbo. ‘Fight the Rebels’ Security forces last week shelled a market in Abidjan, the commercial capital, killing as many as 30 people. Gbagbo called on the population to mobilize to “fight the rebels.” Tens of thousands of people have already fled Abidjan, according to Amnesty International. The deteriorating situation now constitutes “a serious and imminent threat to peace and security throughout West Africa,” Arbour said. White, or refined-sugar futures for May delivery were little changed at $700 a ton in London. Raw-sugar futures for May delivery climbed 0.11 cent, or 0.4 percent, to 27.27 cents a pound on ICE. Sugar supplies will exceed demand by 1.3 million tons in the 2010-11 season, down from 1.7 million tons forecast in November because of crop damage in Australia, India and China, according to F.O. Licht GmbH. The surplus after two years of shortages will barely change the ending stockpiles by the end of the season on Sept. 30, Ratzeburg, Germany-based Licht said in the report yesterday. Robusta-coffee futures for July delivery gained $5, or 0.2 percent, to $2,438 a ton on NYSE Liffe. Arabicacoffee futures for May delivery rose 0.6 percent to $2.7510 a pound on ICE Futures U.S. Produce Buying of Ghana Rises to Two-Year High on Cocoa, Funds Bloomberg By Moses Mozart Dzawu Mar 23, 2011 Produce Buying Co., the biggest buyer of cocoa from farmers in Ghana, climbed to a more than two-year high as cocoa prices rallied for a third day. The stock rose 2 pesewas or 10 percent, to close at 22 pesewas by 3 p.m. in Accra, the highest since November 2008. Cocoa for May delivery advanced as much as 1.4 percent to 2,118 pounds ($3,442) a metric ton on NYSE Liffe in London on concern supplies of the beans may be further disrupted as conflict escalates in Ivory Coast, the world’s largest producer. Neighboring Ghana is the second-biggest producer of the chocolate ingredient. “The company’s story is looking brilliant now; it has posted positive results for some time now and this has caught the attention of some African funds,” Hilary Lomotey, a trader with Renaissance Capital, said by phone from Accra today. Net income for the first quarter through December climbed 17 percent to 8.4 million cedis ($5.5 million) as sales rose 43 percent to 329 million cedis. Ivorian cocoa prices continue slide on export halt Reuters Africa By Richard Valdmanis and Keiron Henderson) Mar 24, 2011 ABIDJAN, March 24 (Reuters) - Cocoa prices fell at farms across Ivory Coast in the latest week as an ongoing export halt from the nation's ports thinned out buyers. 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 In the centre-west region of Daloa, which produces a quarter of the Ivory Coast harvest, farmers said the farmgate price had slipped to 300 CFA/kg ($0.642) from 300-400 CFA/kg last week. "The prices are catastrophically low," said farmer Marcel Aka, adding growers were tending subsistence crops on spare ground, while delaying the harvest of ripe mid-crop cocoa. "Farmers are focusing on preparing the ground for rice and yams. It is better because at least we'll be able to eat," he told Reuters by telephone. Prices were also running between 250 and 300 CFA/kg in the western growing region of Soubre and the southern region of Divo, farmers said -- down from around 400 CFA/kg in the past two weeks. Ivory Coast's official guideline price for the 2010-11 season is 1,100 CFA/kg, though prices started the season in October at around 900 CFA/kg and they rarely trade at or above the guideline. Prices have tumbled in recent months since a disputed November election hampered port operations. One of the poll claimants called an export ban in January to pressure his rival, incumbent Laurent Gbagbo, and the EU slapped restrictions on shipping activities at Ivorian ports. The ban, while cutting domestic farmgate prices, has pushed up futures prices by stoking global supply fears. CCc2 LCCc2 A purchases manager of an international cocoa exporter said only a handful of local purchasers were now active at the port of Abidjan, snapping up cocoa at low prices for storage in hopes of making a profit when exports resume. He said prices were around 500 CFA/kg, compared with 900 CFA/kg before the export ban. "These buyers are hoping for big business after exports restart. But nothing is happening among the exporters," he said, adding some companies were preparing layoffs. A farmer in Soubre said some planters were turning to rubber to avoid the complications of the cocoa export halt. "There is still a blockage for cocoa commerce. This situation has lead many farmers to plant rubber at their old plantations," said farer Innocent Zamble. "In reality, there are no trucks coming and going in the countryside. This will delay and discourage farmers from harvesting the mid-crop beans," he said. Processing & Manufacturing Business & Economy Cocoa exporters say Ivorian export embargo holding Reuters Africa Tue Mar 22, 2011 ABIDJAN/LONDON (Reuters) - Cocoa exporters dismissed on Tuesday a media report that some were preparing to resume payment of export taxes to Ivory Coast's Laurent Gbagbo, saying a de facto embargo on shipments was holding. Gbagbo has refused to step down after a November election, which most of the world says he lost. Alassane Ouattara, the internationally recognised winner, has called for a freeze in cocoa exports to deprive the Gbagbo camp 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 of funds. However, the Financial Times reported that some exporters were preparing to comply with a demand by Gbagbo that they pay taxes on stocks of cocoa held in-country by the end of the month for fear that it could be confiscated. Exporters and other trade sources denied that was the case. "I would say there's no change in the exporters' stance and that exporters do not wish to run the risk of EU sanctions," a cocoa trade source in London said of European Union measures that forbid financial transactions with pro-Gbagbo entities. A European source said some in the sector were making plans for "every contingency in an unpredictable situation", but stressed that an industry pact not to export was holding. "Nothing has been shipped or is being prepared for shipment. "Gbagbo can say he owns the cocoa, but I don't think he is going to be able to take control of it," the source said. A spokesman for Swiss-based cocoa and chocolate giant Barry Callebaut noted it had suspended cocoa bean and product exports from Ivory Coast, adding: "The situation has not changed, no." Noble Group, the Kong Kong-based commodities group whose chief executive was quoted by the FT as saying it would pay the taxes if Gbagbo was still in control by March 31, declined to comment. The FT article said the group later clarified that its actions would be guided by legal advice. BUMPER CROP HELD IN STORAGE In a cruel irony for a country that some analysts say is now in the midst of an all-out civil war, Ivory Coast is having a bumper cocoa season. Arrivals to ports were estimated at over 1 million tonnes by the end of last week, over 100,000 tonnes up on the same point of last year. Yet the Ouattara call, the EU sanctions and the collapse of the local banking system have meant over 450,000 tonnes of stocks are languishing in storage, and concerns about a deterioration in quality are growing by the day. With some 360,000 tonnes due for export by the end of the month, incurring an export tax (DUS, "droit unique de sortie") of 17 percent, levies would total close to $200 million at current market prices of around $3,200 a tonne. Such a windfall would give Gbagbo's government ample funding to pay the monthly salaries of army and civil servants, estimated at around $160 million. Worsening violence has already claimed over 400 lives and prompted nearly half a million Ivorians to flee their homes. Northern-based rebels from the 2002-2003 civil war have declared their support for Ouattara and have taken several towns in the west from Gbagbo forces. Sao Tome and Principe cocoa exports total US$5.6 million in 2010 Macauhub March 25th, 2011 Sao Tome, Sao Tome and Principe, 25 March – Sao Tome and Principe netted around 100 billion dobras (US$5.6 million) from cocoa exports in 2010, which accounted for 94 percent of the country’s agricultural exports last year, according to the archipelago’s National Statistics Institute (INE). The statement issued by INE said that in terms of nominal value in dobras the year on year rise was due to “the price and good quality of Sao Tome cocoa on the foreign market.” 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 17 In terms of quantity, there was a fall of 14.5 percent in the period with cocoa exports falling from 2,727.6 tons in 2009 to 2,332.2 tons in 2010. The remaining 6 percent on the list of exported agricultural products was made up of coconut, coconut oil, flowers and plants. The list of Sao Tome cocoa exporters in 2010 was topped by Cooperativa Exportação de Cacau Biológico (Cecab), followed by Sociedade Agro-Comercial (Agricon) and Sociedade de Comércio, Gestão e Investimento (CGI). The main importers of the cocoa were Portugal, the Netherlands, Angola, the Bahamas, France. Sao Tome and Principe, which has around 160,000 inhabitants, is still dependent on the cocoa introduced by Portuguese colonists in the 19th century and its production levels have been falling over the last few decades due to lack of land on which to grow it, lack of financing and a lack of effective treatment of the plantations. (macauhub) Labour Issues Child labour-free cocoa ‘almost impossible,’ Nestlé head says Globe and Mail By Wency Leung March 23, 2011 Is there a “fine edge” between what’s acceptable and what’s not, when it comes to child labour? According to the chairman of Nestlé SA, one of the world’s largest buyers of cocoa, it’s “nearly impossible” to end the practice, Dow Jones reports. “You go into Switzerland, still today, in the months of September, [and] schools have one week holiday so students can help in the wine harvesting,” chairman Peter Brabeck-Letmathe said at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. “In those developing countries, this also happens.” Mr. Brabeck-Letmathe, whose company has come under fire in the past for purchasing cocoa from countries where child exploitation occurs, went on to say: “It’s a very fine edge. You cannot say that no child can work in a rural environment. That is almost impossible. What we try to ensure is that they have access to schooling.” In recent years, reports of child labour on cocoa farms in West Africa, especially in the Ivory Coast, have sparked protests from rights activists and consumer groups, and have prompted chocolate producers like Nestlé to ramp up their offerings of “ethically sourced,” certified chocolate. Chocolate giant Cadbury has also publicly expressed it was committed to eliminating child labour. According to a report on the cocoa trade by the International Labour Organization (read the PDF here), an estimated 200,000 children, under the age of 18, were engaged in child labour in the Ivory Coast in 2002. But Mr. Brabeck-Letmathe’s latest comments seem to suggest that eradicating child labour is neither realistic, nor particularly helpful. “If they have the access to good schooling, then the child labour as 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 18 such, if it is helping the fathers in the field and helping with the harvesting, I don’t think this is a problem,” he said, according to Reuters. “The problem is when you use the children only for that and don’t allow them to go to school.” If children have access to schooling, is child labour okay? Would you still buy that chocolate? Environmental Issue Research & Development Promotion & Consumption Others Easter chocolate treats from Divine Easier (press release) 23rd March 2011 Make this Easter special by choosing gorgeous chocolate treats from the company owned by cocoa farmers. There is so much to choose from this year with something to tickle every taste bud and brand new product launches joining popular Divine favourites. All Divine's Easter Eggs are free from artificial flavourings, colourings and preservatives and are suitable for vegetarians. For the ultimate luxury choice, opt for Divine's large Milk Chocolate Egg with Praline Mini Eggs. This egg comes beautifully packaged in gold foil decorated with a chocolate-brown ribbon and sits in a beautiful powder blue case. The box pays homage to Divine's Ghanaian heritage -adorned with traditional West African motifs called Adinkra symbols, the meanings of which are explained on the side of the box. The egg has a particularly smooth & creamy texture and is made using only the very finest cocoa beans handpicked by smallholder farmers in Ghana. In a box below the egg sit eight mini chocolate eggs with a soft hazelnut filling (260g, available at Waitrose, Oxfam, and online at divinechocolateshop.com, RRP £10.00). For a charming little gift try Divine's smaller Easter Eggs: 55g milk, dark and white chocolate eggs made with Divine's pure cocoa beans and cocoa butter. Perfect if you want a smaller Easter treat, these eggs are available from Waitrose, Booths and online at divinechocolateshop.com RRP £3.00. For those who prefer a larger egg try the Milk Chocolate Egg made with smooth natural milk chocolate (comes with milk chocolate mini-eggs (150g, available at Waitrose, Booths, Oxfam, and online at divinechocolateshop.com, RRP £5.00) or the wonderfully rich Dark Chocolate Egg with dark chocolate Brazil nuts (140g, available at Waitrose, Booths, and Oxfam and online at .divinechocolateshop.com, RRP £5.00). And because chocolate and a good book are a match made in heaven, we have joined forces with Penguin Classics to celebrate all that's Divine and chocolaty in classic literature with an on-pack competition to win 52 Penguin Classics and a year's worth of Divine Chocolate. Mini Egg Collection:Now there's a choice of four different mini eggs to choose from! Children will adore these little bags full of miniature eggs which are a must for Easter Egg Hunts and treats for Easter Bunnies. 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 19 - Speckled Eggs: solid milk chocolate with a crisp sugar shell (170g, available from Waitrose, Oxfam and online at divinechocolateshop.com, RRP £3.50) - Milk Chocolate Praline Eggs: foil-wrapped eggs with a milk chocolate shell and a soft hazelnut filling (169g, available from Waitrose, Oxfam and online at divinechocolateshop.com, RRP £4.00) - Milk Chocolate Mini Eggs: solid milk chocolate, 170g, available from Waitrose, Oxfam and online at divinechocolateshop.com, RRP £3.50) - Dark Chocolate Mini Eggs: solid 70% chocolate (170g, available from Waitrose, Oxfam and online at divinechocolateshop.com, RRP £3.50) The delightful Divine Handbag holds a cluster of mini eggs made with solid milk chocolate. A lovely gift for anyone with a passion for fashion and chocolate. The Easter range 'just for children' is also expanding. Brought to you by Divine's sister brand Dubble (see Editors' Notes), which comes with extra Comic Relief, the products on offer this year include: - Dubble Easter Egg Hunt Kit: contains six hollow milk chocolate eggs in a choice of two colours and has instructions for having your very own Easter Egg Hunt! RRP £3.50 - The Dubble Easter Egg: contains a milk chocolate hollow egg plus a crunchy Dubble bar made from caramel & crisped rice and comes in a fun triangular box. RRP £3.50 - Dubble Speckled Eggs: sugar-coated solid milk chocolate eggs. RRP £1.50 Divine is continuously working to reduce the environmental impact of its packaging. Our Easter eggs have never used plastic packaging and have always kept cardboard use and waste to a minimum. The 55g eggs, 150g eggs, and Luxury Milk Chocolate Egg with Praline Mini Eggs are all made with recycled cardboard. All Easter cardboard packaging is suitable for recycling. At the heart of all Divine's chocolate is the premium cocoa which is grown with pride by the farmers in Ghana who co-own the company. After growing in the shade of the tropical rainforest the cocoa beans are harvested then fermented and dried in the sun for just the right period of time to allow a full flavour to develop. Choosing a Divine egg this Easter is a great way to play your part in a more equitable trading partnership. Divine is the only Fairtrade chocolate company which is owned by the farmers in Ghana who farm the cocoa - a total of 45,000 members own a 45% share in Divine. While Fairtrade ensures farmers received a better deal for their cocoa and additional income to invest in the community, company ownership gives farmers a share of Divine's profits and a stronger voice in the cocoa industry. For more information on the full Divine range of bars, gift chocolates, baking ingredients and seasonal lines visit the Divine Chocolate website. 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 20