Blommer Chocolate Company, the largest cocoa processor and ingredient chocolate supplier in North America, today announced its support of CocoaAction, an unprecedented alignment of the industry’s largest cocoa and chocolate companies to build a rejuvenated and economically viable cocoa sector in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, which collectively provide more than half of the world’s current cocoa supply.

CocoaAction, formed under the auspices of the World Cocoa Foundation, is a holistic approach designed to coordinate and align global cocoa sustainability efforts between industry members and the governments of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. The initiative’s primary goal is to improve training for cocoa farmers and empower their local communities to make cocoa farming sustainable and more productive.

“We are honored to be a part of this important initiative and believe that this type of international collaboration is exactly what the industry and these dedicated farmers need to ensure cocoa sustainability for future generations,” said Peter Blommer, President and COO of Blommer Chocolate Company, World Cocoa Foundation Board of Director. “This mission fits squarely within Blommer’s core philosophy of collaboration, which is woven into the fabric of all our sustainability initiatives and is an important legacy of our founder.”

Blommer’s CocoaAction participation will work in tandem with its Sustainable Origins initiative, which operates extensive farmer training programs throughout West Africa, Indonesia and the Americas. Last summer Blommer announced the launch of 36 Farmer Field Schools in Ecuador, which partnered with the Provincial Ecuadorian Government and Cimarron Estates to train more than 1,300 farmers in best agricultural practices. To date, Sustainable Origins has provided resources and support to more than 60,000 cocoa farmers worldwide.

“As a founding member of the World Cocoa Foundation, we’re committed to bolstering our current programs and efforts in this region and look forward to the extraordinary work this first-of-its-kind group can accomplish by working together,” said Kip Walk, Corporate Director, Sustainability for Blommer. “We applaud all the supporting industry and government partners taking part in this groundbreaking program and feel confident we can make cocoa farming a successful and viable business model for current and future farmers in West Africa and beyond.”

“As Blommer looks ahead to our upcoming 75th anniversary this summer, we’re reminded of the legacy left from behind from our founder and are confident he would be proud of the tremendous accomplishments the industry is making together to support farming communities around the world and to ensure a sustainable cocoa supply for future generations to come,” said Peter Blommer.

In addition to Blommer, additional companies that have voluntarily committed to CocoaAction include ADM, Armajaro, Barry Callebaut, Cargill, Ecom, Ferrero, The Hershey Company, Mars, Incorporated, Mondelez International, Nestlé and Olam International Ltd.

To learn more about the CocoaAction initiative, please visit www.WorldCocoa.org.

About Blommer Chocolate Company
Blommer Chocolate Company is the largest cocoa processor and ingredient chocolate supplier in North America. With over 650 employees and four strategically located manufacturing facilities in North America, the company provides comprehensive business solutions for domestic and international customers of all sizes in the confectionery, baking and dairy industries. Among Blommer’s core competencies are cocoa bean processing, chocolate manufacturing, commodity risk management, and product and process R&D.

The company is a leader in advancing sustainable cocoa farming, playing an active role in the World Cocoa Foundation and promoting sustainable farming practices through its privately managed programs in Cote d'Ivoire, Indonesia and Ecuador. Founded in 1939, the family-owned and operated company maintains an outstanding reputation for customer service and quality. For more information about Blommer Chocolate Company, please visit www.blommer.com.

The Blommer Chocolate Company

The Blommer Chocolate Company

Blommer Chocolate Company is the largest cocoa processor and ingredient chocolate supplier in North America. With over 650 employees and four strategically located manufacturing facilities in North America, the company provides comprehensive business solutions for domestic and international customers of all sizes in the confectionery, baking and dairy industries. Among Blommer’s core competencies are cocoa bean processing, chocolate manufacturing, commodity risk management, and product and process R&D.

The company is a leader in advancing sustainable cocoa farming, playing an active role in the World Cocoa Foundation and promoting sustainable farming practices through its privately managed programs in Cote d'Ivoire, Indonesia and Ecuador. Founded in 1939, the family owned and operated company maintains an outstanding reputation for customer service and quality.

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