More European buyers expect you to demonstrate that your cocoa can be traced and is produced with low emissions. This is important because cocoa production adds to climate change and is also at risk to rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns. By taking on agroforestry and other climate-smart practices, you can reduce your emissions while becoming more productive and resilient.
Cocoa cooperatives can reduce their carbon footprint by adopting agroforestry and efficient farm management. Agroforestry recommendations involve increasing shade trees on farms from 15–25 to about 40–45 trees per hectare. Shade trees improve soil health, regulate temperature and protect cocoa trees during droughts. Practices like pruning, mulching and composting also support carbon storage and boost sustainable yields, making these approaches both environmentally and economically beneficial.
Dr Patricia Adu-Yeboah, Research Scientist – Agronomist at the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana
It is often difficult for farmers or cooperatives to enter the carbon market because of high upfront costs and complex requirements. A more practical option is to join existing projects led by aggregators or participate in certification programmes that offer premiums for low-emission and climate-smart production systems.
Anonymous
Search
Enter search terms to find market research
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is becoming a competitive requirement in international coffee markets. Many European buyers have committed to zero carbon emission targets by 2030 and 2050. For most of these companies, supply chain emissions make up the largest share of their carbon footprint. This means that progress toward their targets depends largely on actions taken at farm and processing level.
Cooperatives can access carbon markets through certification schemes such as Rainforest Alliance, 4C, Fairtrade and Regen Agri. These organisations provide guidance, ensure compliance and support verification to convert sustainable practices into measurable and tradable carbon credits. Coffee cooperatives must consider promoting improved varieties from approved sources, as traditional varieties require more land and inputs, increasing emissions from fertiliser use and deforestation.
Dr. Abraham Akpertey, Senior Research Scientist (Coffee Breeder) at the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana
Search
Enter search terms to find market research
End consumers in Italy and Spain appreciate style and design. Italians focus more on quality and brand image, and the Spanish focus more on modern, affordable and practical styles. Both countries prefer local brands. Italy and Spain are home to some of Europe’s largest fashion retailers. These retailers operate thousands of stores worldwide, meaning they have a major influence even outside of their local economies.
The Italian and Spanish apparel markets are struggling, but there’s still potential for small and medium-sized companies to succeed, particularly if they focus on quality, creativity, and niche markets. Italy is also an excellent gateway for exporting to the rest of Europe.
Martino Forcella, global apparel sourcing expert
Search
Enter search terms to find market research