Barry Callebaut proud to return as host sponsor for the CMAA International Cocoa Conference March 5-8, 2019 in Miami, Florida
Barry Callebaut proud to return as host sponsor for the CMAA International Cocoa Conference March 5-8, 2019 in Miami, Florida
Chicago, IL, USA – Barry Callebaut, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, is proud to support an industry partner, the Cocoa Merchants Association of America (CMAA), on the occasion of its 95th anniversary. Demonstrating its commitment to the industry, Barry Callebaut is returning as Host Sponsor for the annual CMAA International Cocoa Conference, which will take place March 5-8, 2019, in Miami, Florida, for the 2nd year in a row.
It is an honor serving as the Chairman for this esteemed organization. I am pleased that while serving as Board Chair, the CMAA has welcomed several new members, bringing a record 80 companies together to foster the trade and welfare of the cocoa beans and cocoa products industry in the United States. Thanks to continued good consumption and exciting product innovation, the future of the cocoa and chocolate industry in the United States looks very positive.
Hugo van der Goes, Vice President, Cocoa, North America and CMAA’s Chairman
CMAA is a key player in building a safe and sustainable cocoa supply chain, working on topics such as addressing contaminants in the cocoa supply chain, increased focus on labor practices in origin countries, and working on the traceability of raw materials. Referring to these supply chain topics, Van Der Goes says, “The CMAA is working closely with its industry partners, the National Confectioners Association and the World Cocoa Foundation, to share knowledge in order to achieve our common goals.” Van Der Goes continues, “An industry-driven approach through the CMAA is more relevant than ever before. Our growing membership shows the value that industry participants see in sharing knowledge and working on pre-competitive solutions.”
Rounding out the conference, Barry Callebaut Group’s Steven Retzlaff, President, Global Cocoa, will headline a panel titled, “State Of The Cocoa Processing Industry: The Drive for Origin Processing,” along with his industry peers. The conference agenda includes a diversity of topics, ranging from an industry trends talk and a Bean to Bar presentation to a Supply & Demand panel.
For more information about the CMAA International Cocoa Conference, please visit: https://bit.ly/2BL3Uqq
About Barry Callebaut Group:
With annual sales of about CHF 6.9 billion (EUR 6.0 billion / USD 7.1 billion) in fiscal year 2017/18, the Zurich-based Barry Callebaut Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products – from sourcing and processing cocoa beans to producing the finest chocolates, including chocolate fillings, decorations and compounds. The Group runs about 60 production facilities worldwide and employs a diverse and dedicated global workforce of more than 11,500 people. The Barry Callebaut Group serves the entire food industry, from industrial food manufacturers to artisanal and professional users of chocolate, such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs, bakers, hotels, restaurants or caterers. The two global brands catering to the specific needs of these Gourmet customers are Callebaut® and Cacao Barry®. The Barry Callebaut Group is committed to sustainable cocoa production to help ensure future supplies of cocoa and improve farmer livelihoods. It supports the Cocoa Horizons Foundation in its goal to shape a sustainable cocoa and chocolate future.
About the CMMA (www.cocoamerchants.com):
The Cocoa Merchants' Association of America, Inc. ("CMAA") was started in 1924 as the main cocoa trade association. The founding members were importers and end users of cocoa beans in the USA. Our member companies now represent all stakeholders in the cocoa supply chain from shippers and growers to the branded chocolate manufacturers and everyone in between, including banks, warehousemen, steamship carriers, and so forth on an international level.