Entry: Ricardo Mejia, Compania Nacional de Chocolates
The Cocoa Tour allowed me to learn more about this important crop and its supply chain in Ecuador. The diversity of interests and the mix of nationalities amongst the group, allowed for a unique interaction and the possibility to discuss farming, commercial and sustainability issues from multiple perspectives.
It was a unique opportunity to visit with representatives from the different players of the supply chain: producers, middle men, farmer associations, researchers and exporters/traders. It was very interesting to have visited small holder farmers with low input schemes and large land owners growing cocoa under high input schemes; farmer associations starting to benefit from their collective effort; national research centre working on holistic approaches for the crop and exporters working on improving the quality of the product.
With the hospitality of Ecuadorians, a captivating crop, impeccable logistics and an excellent group, the Tour was a very successful event!
Comments (1)
Unforgettable Tour Again!
We had a hot summer this year in Japan.
It reminds me of WCF Ecuador Cocoa Tour in May 2008.
And it was my great pleasure to visit Ecuador on their Independence Day.
Through the tour, I’ve come to realize that people in Ecuador are very proud of their own cocoa, especially “Arriba” flavour, and they have a great history of their cocoa industry.
I could learn about the whole supply chain through visiting small and large farms, farmers’ associations, middlemen, research centers and exporters.
In addition, we can see the marvelous artwork at Guayaquil Airport. It seems to represent Ecuadorian cocoa history and industries, which I could learn from WCF tour.
Nowadays chocolate industry in Japan is in a difficult situation about chemical issue.
But I really understand they have been trying very hard to resolve it.
And I’m sure we can keep quite a good relationship eternally.
My sincere thanks to Bill, Robert, Virginia, everyone concerned in Ecuador and the delegates of the well organized tour.
It was an unforgettable tour for me, along with the Ghana tour in 2007.
Posted by Yoshinori Doi | September 17, 2008 1:43 PM
Posted on September 17, 2008 13:43