Côte d'Ivoire/ JNCC 2024: Hershey and nine cooperatives join forces for the sustainability of the cocoa sector
American chocolate maker Hershey, in collaboration with Sucden and nine cocoa cooperatives, signed a tripartite agreement on Saturday September 28, 2024, to promote the sustainability of the industry, during the 9th edition of the National Cocoa and Chocolate Days (JNCC), in the presence of the Minister of Trade and Industry, Souleymane Diarrassouba.
This partnership aims to strengthen solidarity between the cooperatives, as well as promoting the sharing of knowledge and best practices to achieve common goals.
Hershey's Vice President and Senior Procurement Manager, Tricia Branningan, emphasized that this agreement embodies the group's commitment to improving farmers' incomes and, more broadly, to transforming their living conditions.
"Our aim is to improve working conditions for producers, while adopting methods that respect the environment. This process will not only contribute to their prosperity, but also to the sustainability of our production chain," said Ms Tricia.
Sucden's Head of Purchasing Sustainability, Abel Kouadio, reaffirmed the trading company's commitment to supporting sustainable agricultural practices by investing in training and awareness programs to increase growers' skills and optimize their cultivation practices.
Speaking on behalf of the partner cooperatives, Yao Guy Constantin emphasized that this project will strengthen relations between cooperatives, exporters and chocolate makers, while contributing to the stability of the supply chain. It will also ensure the sustainability of trade and build trust between producers and cooperatives. This partnership will enable cooperatives to become better structured, more professional and more competitive.
"In view of these positive aspects, we, the presidents of the cooperatives involved in this program, pledge from this rostrum to do everything in our power to ensure the success of this project," assured Mr. Yao.
Source: www.aip.ci/109431/
