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Activities Overview
Cocoa Products Standard Contracts
Early 2002, ECA initiated the creation of a working group in charge of defining comprehensive cocoa (semi-finished) "products" contracts, to fill a commercial void. The joint ECA-CAOBISCO-FCC has since published contracts CP1 (Liquid Products) and CP2 (Packed Products, Buyer's call) under the FCC banner. Further contracts (CIF, FOB , door to door, etc.) are under development.
Publication of the European Cocoa Bean Usage Statistics:
Since July 2000, ECA has reported quarterly its European Grind Statistics. From the Q4 2006 report onwards, the statistics include both grinding and expeller processes, now representing above 97% of the total European usage. The latest quarter statistics are published on this website at the end of the first fortnight following the quarter.
Regulatory matters
In its capacity of representing its Members, ECA is involved in various research programs (e.g. on OTA, PAH, Pesticides). These are either undertaken by ECA alone, as it is the case for the ‘Smouldering of Cocoa Beans' study, or together with others, such as CAOBISCO, ICCO, the Ghana Cocoa Board, contracting with scientific research agencies like CABI (U.K.), CIRAD (France) or LANADA (Ivory Coast). The results of some of this research have already positively affected the cocoa business community.
In addition to scientific research, ECA has induced the Ivorian and Cameroon authorities to review their obsolete packaging decrees.
Labour Practices, the Global Industry Group ( GIG ) and the International Cocoa Initiative ( ICI )
The chocolate and cocoa industries have been working for many years with farmers to improve their standard of living through a sustainable cocoa economy. The Global Industry Group ( GIG ) now coordinates industry efforts regarding social development and labour practices. The International Cocoa Initiative ( ICI ) is a joint - industry/non-industry - partnership foundation, which aim is “to oversee and sustain efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor and forced labor in the growing and processing of cocoa beans and their derivative products” . Alongside participation in the ICI programmes, the GIG is working towards a certification process, in line with its commitment in the September 2001 Protocol. In this project, it is working closely with the authorities in the origin countries, and with other interested parties such as the ILO. ECA is a founding member of both the GIG and the ICI , representing all its own members and ensuring full participation of the European cocoa chain.[more information]
ICCO Consultative Board on the World Economy, also referred to as the Private Sector Board
In January 2004, ECA was invited by the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) to join its new Consultative Board on the World Cocoa Economy. This Consultative Board, provided by the 2001 International Cocoa Agreement, is composed of representatives of the consumer and producer organizations. This Board will encourage active participation of experts from the private sector in the work of the Organization and promote a continuous dialogue among experts from the public and private sectors. ECA also takes part in various ICCO committees and in the Expert Working Group on Quality.
International Cocoa Event:
In addition to its Board and bi-annual General Members Meetings (GMM), ECA organizes International Cocoa Events. These 3-day events, initiated in September 2002, gather the whole international cocoa community and are based on a new innovative concept blending leisure and business times. Find out more on Concoction 2002, Concoction 2005 and Concoction 2007 that was held in Berlin in September.
Newsletters and Updates
ECA publishes quarterly Newsletters and regular Updates (for members only, not available on the website).
