Group canvasses enhanced cocoa production

A group, International Cocoa Diplomacy (ICD), has called for collaborative action to enhance the quality of cocoa production and value of cocoa exports.

Speaking at a joint press conference with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & industry (LCCI) announcing the upcoming International Trade Fair and Eko Chocolate Show a main attraction at this year’s Fair, lCD Convener, HRM Queen Angelique-Monet Thompson, lamented that Africa produces about 70 per cent of the world cocoa, while less than two per cent of the total produce is processed into finished goods such as chocolate.

She said lCD objective of the Lagos international Trade Fair is to demonstrate what collaboration and partnership can achieve for cross learning purposes as well as exchange of ideas towards improved and increased global trade for a greater value added economy that is transformational and sustainable.

According to her ICD’s other goal is to bridge the gap between Africa’s cocoa production dominance of 70 per cent of global supply and value-added chocolate manufacturing through strategic partnerships, knowledge transfer, and market development.

The Queen said though global chocolate market is valued at $140.12 billion and projected to reach $172.89 billion by 2030 less than two per cent of African cocoa is processed into finished products or chocolate.She recognized a huge opportunity for Nigeria as the premium chocolate segment is growing at 7.2 per cent annually, with 83 per cent of consumers preferring ethically sourced cocoa, which has increased demand for African origin-specific chocolate productsShe said: “EKO Chocolate Show 2025 represents Africa’s most prestigious chocolate industry event, uniquely positioned at the intersection of cultural celebration, economic development, and international commerce.

“As Nigeria’s gateway to global chocolate markets, this ground breaking event offers sponsors and partners an unparalleled opportunity to associate their brands with African excellence, agricultural innovation, and cultural diplomacy while accessing premium audiences across consumer, Business to Business, and diplomatic segments.”

The exhibition at the fair comprised of a world-class chocolate exhibition as well as Stakeholders Forum, the Royal Cocoa International Film Festival, and will premiere the Royal Cocoa International Arts Exhibition and historic Royal Cocoa Symphony Orchestra Concert.

This she said will create Africa’s first integrated chocolate-culture-commerce platform that positions Lagos as the continent’s chocolate and trade capital.

Other exhibition areas will include Chocolate Marketplace, innovation hub, cultural heritage zone, Royal- premium products, artisan chocolates, international brands, and innovation hub.

Director, LCCI Trade Promotions, Shola Oluwadare said the Board is excited to run a specialized Fair in 2025 with ICD. He said it will place Nigeria in the world map as far as cocoa production and value is concerned with reducing the deficit suffered by farmers in terms of pricing in the international market by increasing their revenue.LCCI Trade Promotions Chairman Abimbola Olasore said this year’s Fair is not only specialized but also a festival. He also said LCCI henceforth decided to partner quality companies to turn around the economy of the nation.

Group canvasses enhanced cocoa production - The Nation Newspaper