The food sector was badly hit at the beginning of the pandemic but a series of initiatives aimed at supporting the world’s chocolate-producing communities and changes in consumer demand meant it wasn’t all bad news


THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC CONTINUES TO MAKE HEADLINES AS BOTH A MEDICAL AND HUMANITARIAN CRISIS, BUT FOR vast swathes of industry, the impact is profound. Many businesses have managed to adjust, pivoting to meet the changing needs of their customers and suppliers. A shadow has been cast over national economies, despite the significant interventions of governments. While many technology-based businesses have managed to weather the storm, and even thrive, others have been devastated. Success stories abound in, for example, 3D printing and


its role in the production of components for face masks and ventilators, but it equally suffered from a pause in automotive sales as additive manufacturing in the industrial environment began to suffer. And the food industry wasn’t immune. Meat processing plants and abattoirs, for example, have been at the forefront with hundreds of workers testing positive in the likes of the UK, Germany, France and Spain. The global chocolate sector had problems of its own. As lockdowns were introduced it was pinning hopes on the fact that, while it might not be an essential item, it could be seen as the sort of indulgence consumers may turn to for comfort. So, by and large, there was optimism. Experts were warning early on that consumption patterns would be changeable, especially on the back of fears of a recession and the growth of lower-priced and private label items as a result of stockpiling. The main chocolate-


consuming countries suddenly found themselves at the centre of the pandemic and the measures each took influenced the availability of cocoa supplies. These measures included lockdowns and curfews, as well as fostering actions, such as credit provision for farmers. Critical at the time was demand continuity and buyers’ risk perception, both of which they knew would define the fate of the sector in this critical time.


On the bulk market, the Ivory Coast and Ghana, which account for more than 60 per cent of the world’s cocoa production, there were fears that supply chain disruptions there could lead to major shortages.


OPTIMISING LOCAL NETWORKS Thankfully, there were concerted efforts from producers to keep both supplies flowing and Covid-19 from spreading. In fact, collective action from cocoa and chocolate companies of Brazil, Mexico and Indonesia had been key to implementing health guidelines from governments and health authorities. Their efforts also helped to optimise local networks


and deliver technical help, as well as providing funding for emergency responses. Ghana’s Farmerline, for example, ran a health and safety campaign in 14 local languages in an effort to reach smallholders. Adwoa Adadzewa Afrifa, Farmerline’s Acting


COCOA COMFORT


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