The Ivorian Coffee and Cocoa Council has welcomed the commitment of cocoa producers in the Nawa region to the new traceability system, at the launch of the 2026-2027 main marketing campaign in Soubré on September 30, 2026. This development is a significant milestone for the country's cocoa industry. The Council's Director of Statistics, Industrialization, and Prospective, Whatami Coulibaly, represented the institution's Director-General at the event.
The new traceability system, part of a broader effort to modernize the cocoa sector, aims to improve producer identification, secure transactions, and ensure compliance with the government-set border price. The system relies on producer cards, electronic payment terminals, and sealed bags to track cocoa from the producer's plot to the export point. This move is crucial for meeting the European Union's new regulations on deforestation, which come into effect on January 1, 2027.
A mission led by Whatami Coulibaly and Beman Coulibaly, aimed at informing and sensitizing stakeholders, visited major production areas to promote the new campaign's provisions. The team encouraged producers, cooperative societies, and buyers to adopt the new system. As of September 1, 2026, producer cards are mandatory for coffee and cocoa purchases, and transactions are recorded through electronic payment terminals.
The Ivorian Coffee and Cocoa Council believes that the traceability system will enhance the security of the marketing process and better protect producers. Producers without cards are urged to regularize their situation by contacting the Council's services. The new system has been well-received by producers in the Nawa region, who recognize its importance for the future of the cocoa industry.
The launch of the 2026-2027 marketing campaign, which runs from September 21 to October 3, 2026, marks a significant step towards implementing the new traceability system. The Council's efforts aim to ensure a smooth transition to the new system and promote its benefits to all stakeholders. By embracing this new system, Ivorian cocoa producers are poised to improve their livelihoods and contribute to a more sustainable cocoa industry.
The Ivorian government's commitment to implementing the traceability system demonstrates its dedication to modernizing the cocoa sector and meeting international standards. The new regulations will not only enhance the country's cocoa industry but also contribute to the preservation of the environment. As the industry moves forward, it is essential that all stakeholders work together to ensure the success of the traceability system.
The adoption of the traceability system by Ivorian cocoa producers is a positive step towards a more sustainable and secure cocoa industry. With the support of the Ivorian Coffee and Cocoa Council and the government, producers are well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by this new system. As the industry continues to evolve, it is crucial that stakeholders remain committed to the principles of sustainability and environmental protection.
Key points
- The Ivorian Coffee and Cocoa Council has welcomed the commitment of cocoa producers in the Nawa region to the new traceability system.
- The new system aims to improve producer identification, secure transactions, and ensure compliance with the government-set border price.
- The implementation of the traceability system is crucial for meeting the European Union's new regulations on deforestation.
