Ivorian workers lifting bags of cocoa beans at the Port of Abidjan. Photo: AFP
During the opening of its 26th Partnership Meeting & Cocoa Sustainability Trade Fair, the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) announced a donation of $600,000 to fight Ebola in West Africa.
The money was solicited from WCF member companies in the chocolate and cocoa industry. One hundred percent of the funds raised will go to support Ebola care and prevention efforts being carried out in West Africa by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and Caritas.
“The spread of Ebola is a serious concern to WCF and our member companies, given our deep and longstanding support for the wellbeing of West African cocoa growing communities. This member-led contribution reflects an ongoing strong commitment by our industry to health and humanitarian relief efforts during international crises,” said Bill Guyton, president, World Cocoa Foundation.
“We recognise that many rural communities in West Africa, including those where cocoa is grown, need support to find sustainable solutions to economic and social problems that may hinder their ability t o tackle threats such as Ebola.”
Guyton continued: “WCF will activate our existing networks in West Africa to educate rural communities about preventive measures that they can take to avoid infection. We also believe that the best way to help West African cocoa farmers and their communities is to continue to buy the cocoa that they grow.”
Seventy percent of the world’s cocoa supply originates in West Africa, though the region’s largest producers of the commodity, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, have thus far not experienced an outbreak of the Ebola virus.
The WCF effort was spearheaded by a $100,000 initial contribution by the Transmar Group. Other contributing members to date include ADM; Australian Industry Group (Whittaker’s); Blommer Chocolate Company; Carletti; Chocolove; Cococo Chocolatiers Inc.; Confiseur Laederach Group; Ghirardelli Chocolate; Guittard Chocolate; Fazer; Ferrero; Indcresa; Manufacturing Confectioner; Mars, Incorporated; Mitsubishi; Mondelēz Inter national Foundation; Nestlé; Noble Resources; Olam; Purdy’s Chocolatier; RM Palmer; Sucres et Denrées; The Hershey Company; Toms Group; and World’s Finest Chocolate.
Source: World Cocoa Foundation
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