The Togolese Committee for Coffee and Cocoa Coordination celebrated the International Coffee Day and World Cocoa and Chocolate Day on October 1st in Lomé. These days, both observed on October 1st, aim to honor producers, promote fair trade, and raise awareness about working conditions and environmental impact. The celebrations were established in March 2014 by 76 International Coffee Organization (ICO) member states and 26 professional associations.
The International Coffee Day was first celebrated on October 1st, 2015, as a joint initiative by the ICO and the International Cocoa Organization. The event was later expanded to include chocolate at the initiative of the French Academy of Chocolate and Confectionery. Coffee and chocolate, known for their stimulating effects and nutritional value, are exotic products that have become integral to global food culture.
This year's celebration in Togo is part of the new "Drink African Coffee, Build Africa" / "Boire le Café Africain Construit l’Afrique" (DACBA / BOCA) promotion strategy by the International Cocoa Organization. The event was commemorated for the first time by the organization in Abidjan on October 1st, 2021. The Togolese committee has pledged to support local consumption promotion through these celebrations, in synergy with coffee and cocoa processors and baristas.
The event featured a presentation on the history of International Coffee Day and World Cocoa and Chocolate Day, as well as an introduction to "La Maison du café, Le terroir." Participants also watched a live presentation on the coffee and cocoa preparation process. A panel discussion on "coffee and cocoa professions" attracted young students interested in discovering entrepreneurial opportunities in these sectors.
The event included a quiz session, with participants winning numerous prizes. Service stands offering coffee and chocolate allowed attendees to sample different flavors throughout the day. The responsible for "La Maison du café, Le terroir" and president of the Kawa Togo cooperative, Mme Wattara Fankjah, praised the celebration for valuing Togolese coffee, its producers, processors, and consumers.
Mme Wattara Fankjah invited young people to seize opportunities to discover the relationship between coffee, employment, and related professions. The chief accountant, Gandé Koffi, representing the secretary general, noted that October 1st was chosen to celebrate coffee and cocoa, coinciding with the month dedicated to promoting and consuming local products in Togo.
This year's celebration was marked by a focus on elite interest, according to Gandé Koffi. The event successfully promoted Togolese coffee and cocoa, highlighting their importance in the country's economy and culture. The celebrations demonstrated the potential for growth and development in the coffee and cocoa sectors, with a focus on sustainability and fair trade practices.
Key points
- The Togolese Committee for Coffee and Cocoa Coordination celebrated the International Coffee Day and World Cocoa and Chocolate Day on October 1st in Lomé.
