The 2026-2027 cocoa marketing campaign has officially begun in Cote d'Ivoire, with authorities calling on stakeholders to respect set prices and combat smuggling. A meeting was held in Daloa, a major cocoa-producing region, to sensitize stakeholders on the importance of adhering to regulations. The meeting, presided over by Arsène Dadié, Director of Commercialization, brought together administrative authorities, agricultural officials, producers, buyers, and cooperative societies.
The meeting was attended by Emmanuel Gbei Képo, Secretary General of the Prefecture, who represented the Prefect of the region. Képo emphasized the significance of the cocoa sector to the local economy and encouraged stakeholders to learn from the previous campaign's shortcomings. He stressed the need to respect the government-set price and ensure accurate weighing instruments. Képo also called on law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to prevent smuggling.
Arsène Dadié echoed Képo's sentiments, urging buyers to respect the set border price and avoid purchasing cocoa at discounted rates. He also called on stakeholders to work together to combat smuggling and promote sustainable production and traceability of Ivorian cocoa. The previous campaign's report was presented by Clément Ziémogo Coulibaly, Director of the Regional Coffee-Cocoa Council.
Jacques Kouakou, Third Vice-President of the Regional Council, expressed support for producers and reaffirmed the council's commitment to accompanying them in their activities. The regional council's president, Mamadou Touré, has thrown his weight behind the producers, Kouakou said. The council's engagement is expected to boost the sector and improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers.
Daloa is one of Cote d'Ivoire's primary cocoa-producing regions, making it crucial to ensure that stakeholders adhere to regulations. The meeting in Daloa was part of a national tour by the Coffee-Cocoa Council to sensitize stakeholders on the new campaign. Authorities are keen to prevent a repeat of past irregularities and promote a smooth marketing campaign.
The Cote d'Ivoire government has set a price for cocoa, which stakeholders are expected to respect. The government is also working to improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and promote sustainable production practices. The sector is vital to Cote d'Ivoire's economy, and efforts to regulate it are crucial to ensuring its continued growth and stability.
The stakeholders have been urged to work together to address challenges facing the sector, including smuggling and price fluctuations. By combating smuggling and adhering to regulations, stakeholders can help ensure a successful marketing campaign and improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers in Cote d'Ivoire.
Key points
- Authorities in Cote d'Ivoire have urged cocoa stakeholders to respect set prices and combat smuggling as the 2026-2027 marketing campaign begins.
- The meeting in Daloa was part of a national tour to sensitize stakeholders on the new campaign and promote adherence to regulations.
- The sector is crucial to Cote d'Ivoire's economy, and efforts to regulate it are essential to ensuring its continued growth and stability.
