VIENNA, VA - October 24, 2007 - The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) is pleased to announce Karl Walk, director of cocoa for Blommer Chocolate Company, was elected chairman for a two-year term beginning in 2008. Jeff Morgan, director of global programs of Mars Incorporated, and Clive Barnes, assistant vice president of R&D knowledge and GLA management for Nestlé, were elected co-vice chairs for the 2008/2009 term. Alain Fredericq, director, chocolate - business development manager, ADM Cocoa, will continue in his role as secretary/treasurer for 2008.

WCF thanks outgoing Chairman John C. Long, vice president of corporate social responsibility for The Hershey Company, for his years of service. He will continue to serve on the Executive Committee and will support the new leadership in the position of chair emeritus.

Steve Genzoli, director of quality assurance and research and development for Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, and Gerry Manley, managing director of Olam Cocoa for Olam International Ltd., were elected to the WCF Executive Committee as representatives of the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) membership category. To reflect growing membership in this category, SME representation on the Executive Committee has expanded from two seats to four seats.

Established in 2000, the World Cocoa Foundation plays a leading role in facilitating public-private partnerships to benefit cocoa farming communities through training programs and research. WCF is an industry-supported, non-profit organization representing over 60 chocolate companies and trade associations around the world that account for over 65% of chocolate manufactured. Members are from Europe, North America, Latin America, and Asia representing all components of the supply chain. Dedicated to the social and economic wellbeing of cocoa farmers in West Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, the Foundation programs focus on raising farmer incomes, improving community wellbeing and supporting environmental sustainability.

For more information about the World Cocoa Foundation, or to find out how you can help support cocoa farmers, contact Bill Guyton at (703) 790-5012 or via e-mail at Bill.Guyton@worldcocoa.org. Also, visit the WCF online at: www.worldcocoafoundation.org.

World Cocoa Foundation

World Cocoa Foundation

The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) is an international nonprofit membership foundation that promotes a sustainable cocoa economy by providing cocoa farmers with the tools they need to grow more and better cocoa, market it successfully, and make greater profits. WCF's membership includes more than 90 cocoa and chocolate manufacturers, processors, supply chain managers, and other companies worldwide. Member companies range in size from small and medium size firms to large international corporations and represent over 80% of the global cocoa market. For more information, visit www.worldcocoa.org.

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