Innovation
With innovative approaches, challenges in the cocoa value chain can be addressed in a targeted manner and thereby contribute significantly to more sustainability in the sector. The Cocoa Platform therefore promotes innovation in all target areas of the Roadmap 2030.
What is it about?
There are various approaches to improving farmers' incomes: From increasing cultivation productivity to greater diversification of production steps and the product range to increasing domestic value creation through local processing of cocoa beans. Innovative approaches are needed to achieve the most efficient and sustainable improvements. Today's challenges in the value chain should be addressed in new ways and old, no longer proven approaches (so-called path dependency) should be overcome.
Examples of innovative approaches are the commercial use of the pulp of cocoa pods as a sweetener in chocolate production, the production of biofertiliser from natural raw materials or digital approaches to individual payment of premiums. In addition to the use or development of new technologies, innovation can also involve new management approaches or forms of cooperation.
The production of cocoa juice is an innovative approach to increase local value creation and create additional income opportunities. (Photo ©CABOZ)
Innovative approaches can also be approached at the farm level, such as with on-site produced biofertiliser (Photo ©Stella Bernrain)
The goals of the Cocoa Platform according to the Roadmap 2030
Innovation is a key priority for Cocoa Platform members and therefore a second important cross-cutting theme in the Roadmap 2030, alongside gender equality. Cocoa Platform members are encouraged to test innovative approaches and share experiences with each other.
Selected projects in the area of innovation
Innovation was a leitmotif of the projects in cocoa-growing countries supported by SECO under its funding of public-private partnerships from 2023-2026. You can find all the projects here.
Prevent the Spread of Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease
This project aims to fight against the so-called cocoa swollen shoot viral disease. There is no cure against it and infected cocoa trees don’t always show signs of the disease, which makes testing very important. The firm SwissDeCode created a rapid, easy-to-perform test intended for use by field personnel to identify infected asymptomatic trees. This will help reduce the spread of the disease. Learn more about the project
Valorisation of cocoa pod husk to be used as biochar
In this project, cocoa pod husk are processed into biochar, serving as a soil enhancement for the cocoa farm and increasing yields of the future. Learn more about the project
Insurance for Climate Change Adaptation in the Cocoa Sector
This project will provide area yield index insurance (AYII) to 10'000 Ghanaian cocoa farmers. The insurance will protect against yield loss due to various climatic risks. Learn more about the project.