COOKO

🚀  Navigate EUDR Compliance: Transform Your Supply Chain! 🚀 Alexander Watson, our CEO, will be one of the speakers at the impactful workshop organized by COOKO and WWF-Belgique about the European Union Deforestation Regulation. You’re a Belgian chocolate makers.? Join this 2-day training to 𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 #𝗘𝗨𝗗𝗥 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 and boost 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆. Why Attend: ✅Lead in sustainable chocolate practices. ✅Understand EUDR responsibilities beyond supplier reliance. ✅Develop traceable, deforestation-free supply chains aligned with ESG strategies. Topics Covered: ✔️EUDR overview and implications. ✔️Due Diligence Statements (DDS). ✔️Technology and ground truthing balance. ✔️Deforestation mitigation strategies. Details:  👥 Who is it for: Belgian chocolate makers  📍 Where: 2 locations 📅 When: November 26, 2024 (Brussels) & February 4, 2025 (Amsterdam) 📝 Register: Email marie.lebeau@wwf.be Take this opportunity to drive change in sustainable practices! 🍫🌳 #ChocolateIndustry #Sustainability #CocoaProduction #EthicalSourcing #CocoaSupplyChain

Sharing some thoughts from our CEO Ferdi after his Trip to Cameroon with you all. 💭 "On a few occasions I have heard European traders refer to cocoa as "a lazy man's crop". They contend that the farmers just sit around and wait for the cocoa to ripen and then watch it dry. The view from an air-conditioned Land Cruiser can seem pretty pastoral. They have clearly never been to a pod-breaking site. 🌱 At COOKO we really walk the first mile together. That is the only way you can truly know where your cocoa comes from, and how much the farmers are really paid. Each harvesting container has its own unique ID that is traced through the whole process. The air tight seal ensure tamper proofed chain of custody. After scaling up our facility in Ntui, we finally brought the first 700Kg of wet cocoa in yesterday. Keep in mind that each pod you see delivers only 16-20 grams! of cocoa beans. After 23:00 last night we were still clarifying the beneficiary ownership of the land as the farmer had died in the past year. At 23:30 we made a mobile money payment directly to the widow's phone. Monday, Wednesday and Friday we'll do the same thing again. I am extremely proud of Paul Besong, Jude Mua and Rahel Manga. ACCA who worked through the Saturday to make sure everything went smoothly. (and yes we are using the first sales to buy a new #Hilux. They really are indestructible)" #sourcefermented #cocoa #EUDR #Cameroon #techforgood

🌍𝐀 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 🌍 At COOKO, our journey is built on meaningful connections and collective growth. This week our founder and CEO Ferdi, alongside our cocoa specialist Silke, traveled to our R&D facility in Ntui. This trip was filled with purpose. We took a moment to greet and warmly welcome our newest team member, Christian, into the COOKO family, as well as to meet our longterm team members On-Site. Also this trip was about driving real change. The Team took a close look at the latest developments, from our progress of our Source Fermented® Cacao initiative, to our new Fermentation Center. Analyzing, strategizing and pushing forward with a shared vision of excellence. 🌱 From the field to the lab, every step brings us closer to transforming the cocoa value chain—and this meeting was a powerful reminder of the dedication, passion, and collaboration fueling that transformation. As we continue to grow, moments like these remind us of the importance of connection—between our team, our partners, and the farmers we work alongside. COOKO isn’t just a company—it’s a community. And with each new milestone, we are reminded that the future of cocoa is not just bright, it’s revolutionary.

🚀𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐄𝐔𝐃𝐑 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐔𝐬!🚀 Why You Shouldn't Miss Our Cocoa Workshop on Traceability & EUDR: This is a unique opportunity to equip yourself with the knowledge and tools necessary to lead the way in sustainable practices within the chocolate sector in Belgium. 𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦! ✅ Understand EUDR Responsibilities Gain clarity on the new guidance under the European Union Deforestation Regulation (hashtag #EUDR). Even if you're a chocolate maker, you have obligations regarding this regulation! 🍫 ✅ Develop Traceable Supply Chains Learn to create a traceable supply chain while ensuring first-mile traceability. Effective deforestation strategies depend on understanding your supply chains and the importance of forest protection. 📦🌳 ✅ Understand Forest Protection Issues Explore the challenges surrounding forest protection and how they relate to your supply chain, helping you develop effective mitigation strategies. 🌍 ✅ Benefit from Expert Insights Benefit from the expertise of numerous specialists in sustainable and traceable supply chain development, as well as environmental cocoa practices. You'll also collaborate with a major environmental & science-based NGO. 🌱🤝 ✅ Achieve Deforestation-Free Supply Chains Work towards a supply chain that is free from deforestation, going further than EUDR compliance. ✅ Align with Your ESG Strategy Connect your supply chain practices with your Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, driving meaningful change within your organization. 🌟 🗓️ New Workshop Dates: 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩: 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 26th 𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩: 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 4th 𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐚, 𝐀𝐦𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐦 Join us for this workshop to navigate crucial challenges and lead the way in sustainable practices! Register per mail at: marie.lebeau@wwf.be With our Expert Team: COOKO, WWF-Belgium, Alexander Watson, Katharina Elisa Davids, Kristy Leissle, Sarah M Bharath, Jack Steijn, Helena Everaert, Bonolo Mokoatsi, Ferdi Van Heerden & more.

🌱 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐧, 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐐𝐇𝐒𝐄 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭!🌱    We’re excited to welcome Christian to the COOKO family! With a passion for sustainability and extensive expertise in Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) practices, Christian is eager to make a meaningful impact.   We asked, what inspires him about COOKO: Christian is motivated by COOKO’s mission to transform global commodity industries through technology, reduce child labor, and promote sustainability. He believes in the immense potential to enhance food safety, build consumer confidence, and improve environmental stewardship—values that align perfectly with his career goals.   And how will he contribute to our Goal? Christian brings a deep understanding of risk management, safety protocols, and continuous improvement strategies. He plans to check in on and improve our hygiene programs, food safety policies, and conduct continuous risk assessments to ensure COOKO’s operations are not only efficient but also sustainable and safe.   Interested in his vision for the next 90 days? Christian aims to set up a more robust hygiene program, standardize operational checklists, and develop and enhance COOKOs risk management strategies to ensure quality and safety across the board. His commitment to building a safe, thriving work environment will reinforce COOKO's reputation as a responsible industry leader.   Asked about himself, Christian says he loves a good challenge and values versatility, he is always ready to step up when it matters most.   Welcome aboard, Christian! 🌍🍫

🌟 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 Rahel 𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐎! 🌟 Today, we proudly celebrate a significant milestone—Rahel’s one-year anniversary with the COOKO team! 🎉 Rahel has established herself as a cornerstone of our finance division through her fearless commitment to accuracy, exceptional attention to detail, and unwavering dedication. She brings a rigorous, meticulous approach to everything she does and is always ready to share the critical insights that drive our financial operations forward. 📊 The journey hasn’t always been easy, but we have grown stronger together. Rahel’s contributions over the past year have been instrumental to our shared success, and her adaptability and determination have made her an invaluable part of our global team. Rahel, we are deeply grateful for your commitment and look forward to achieving even greater milestones together! 🌍💪

"Cocoa does not have a traceability problem; it is a deforestation problem." Read our Founders lates thoughts on EUDR and its delay.

🍫 Are you a Belgian chocolate maker or working in the cocoa industry? Join WWF-Belgique and COOKO exclusive 2-day training on cocoa traceability and EUDR! Get equipped with the tools and knowledge to comply with the upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which comes into effect on December 30, 2024. 🌳 Whether you're a direct importer or not, EUDR compliance is complex, and you can't solely rely on suppliers. Learn how to manage risks, meet due diligence requirements, and ensure deforestation-free, transparent supply chains. 📍 Where: 2 locations 📅 When: November 26, 2024, in Brussels & February 4, 2025, in Amsterdam 👥 Who Should Attend: Belgian chocolate makers 📝 Register: Complete the survey or email marie.lebeau@wwf.be

🌱 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐚 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐮𝐩𝐨𝐧 𝐮𝐬! 🌱 As we gear up for the season, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the journey of our beans from farm to table. At COOKO, we’re dedicated to ensuring every step of this journey is optimized for traceability, quality and sustainability. Starting at the source of harvesting to improving post-harvest processes, our mission is to support farmers and elevate the entire cocoa value chain. 🚜🍫 Stay tuned for updates and insights as we approach this exciting season!  #CocoaHarvest #Sustainability #FarmToTable #CocoaIndustry #COOKO #Cocoa #cacao

🚨 EUDR Deadline is Approaching – How Ready Are You? 🚨 With the clock ticking towards the EUDR implementation, we're launching a series of interactive polls to gauge the industry's readiness. We need your input! Got questions or concerns about how EUDR will impact your business? We want to hear from you! Click the following link to submit your question – your query could be featured in our next post! 👉 Submit Your Question (https://t.ly/nz3nZ) 📢 Calling All Belgian Chocolatiers! COOKO and WWF-Belgium are here to support you with an exclusive course tailored to help you navigate the EUDR requirements. Spaces are filling up fast – don’t miss out! Reach out today to secure your spot. 💡🍫 #EUDR #Sustainability #ChocolateIndustry #Compliance #CocoaTraceability #COOKO