LCF 2026
INSPIRING THE FUTURE OF CHOCOLATE, TOGETHER
From soaring cocoa prices and tightening regulation to the rise of cocoa-free alternatives, this year’s London Chocolate Forum is a must attend event.
T
his year, the London Chocolate Forum 2026 will be hosted in the renowned London Hippodrome, in an exclusive part of the venue set
right in the heart of London. It’s a setting that reflects both the heritage and dynamism of our industry: steeped in history, but constantly evolving to resemble something new, to reach a transforming consumer, to meet an emerging regulation, or to face global challenges. The global cocoa and chocolate landscape is
undergoing seismic shifts. With the continued rollout of the UKCC (UK Cocoa Coalition) framework and further refinements to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), supply chains are facing unprecedented scrutiny. At the same time, cocoa prices have surged dramatically over the past year, driven by crop challenges in West Africa, climate volatility, and structural supply constraints. For many manufacturers, the question is no longer if costs will rise, but how to adapt sustainably. Compounding this is the rapid emergence
of chocolate alternatives. From cocoa-free formulations using fermented grains or carob, to lab-developed cocoa analogues and hybrid products blending traditional chocolate with plant-based innovations, the category is expanding at pace. These products are not simply niche curiosities; they are beginning to capture real shelf space and consumer interest, particularly among environmentally conscious
buyers. For established brands and artisans alike, this raises pressing questions about identity, formulation, and future-proofing. Against this backdrop, the London Chocolate
THE CONVERSATIONS WE
HOST THIS YEAR WILL BE AS INFORMATIVE AS THEY ARE ESSENTIAL
Forum stands as a vital platform for clarity, connection, and strategy. “We are at a defining moment for the chocolate industry,” says Kiran Grewal, Editor of Kennedy’s Confection and LCF organiser. “The conversations we host this year will be as informative as they are essential. Whether it’s navigating regulatory change, understanding price volatility, or evaluating new ingredient technologies, the London Chocolate Forum is where those discussions come to life.” Past editions of the Forum have set a high bar.
The LCF has welcomed keynote speakers ranging from sustainability leaders working directly with cocoa-growing communities, to senior executives from global manufacturers who have shared
14 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • APRIL 2026
THE LONDON CHOCOLATE FORUM PROVIDED AN EXCELLENT PLATFORM TO ENGAGE WITH BOTH LARGE-SCALE AND NICHE CONFECTIONERY
PRODUCERS. THE VENUE WAS OUTSTANDING, AND THE PROGRAM FEATURED A BROAD RANGE OF
PRESENTATIONS, MANY OF WHICH WERE DIRECTLY RELEVANT TO OUR COMMERCIAL FOCUS. IT WAS A
VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY TO STRENGTHEN EXISTING RELATIONSHIPS AND INITIATE NEW CONVERSATIONS WITH POTENTIAL PARTNERS. EVENTS LIKE THIS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR STAYING CONNECTED TO THE PULSE OF THE INDUSTRY.
– CAPOL, EXHIBITOR AT THE LCF 2025
DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT
IT’S BEEN A FASCINATING DAY, I’VE MET LOADS OF VERY INTERESTING PEOPLE, AND IT’S GREAT TO SEE SUCH A THRIVING CRAFT CHOCOLATEMARKET IN THE UK.
– CHRIS VINCENT, PRESIDENT, WORLD COCOA FOUNDATION
BOTH MYSELF AND PAULO TORRES ARE 40 YEAR VETERANS OF THE COCOA BUSINESS SO HAVE
ATTENDED HUNDREDS OF CONFERENCES OVER THE YEARS. WE FOUND THE CHOCOLATE FORUM TO BE ONE OF THE BEST WITH A WELL BALANCED SERIES OF EXCELLENT SPEAKERS COVERING DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF THE BUSINESS -FROM THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE, THROUGH INNOVATIONS IN FERMENTATION TO WHAT INFLUENCES THE FINAL
CONSUMER IN MAKING THEIR CHOICES. THE VERY PLEASANT VENUE ALSO ALLOWED A NICE DEGREE OF INTERACTION DESPITE THE ENERGETICALLY PACED
PROGRAM. OVERALL IT DELIVERED EXCELLENT VALUE TO ATTENDEES AND WE WILL DEFINITELY BE THERE NEXT YEAR.
– WOWCACAO, EXHIBITOR AT THE LCF 2025
candid insights into sourcing and innovation. This year, we are building on that legacy with an even sharper focus. Expect deep dives into compliance strategies for UKCC and EUDR, panels addressing the realities of cocoa pricing, and showcases of next- generation chocolate alternatives. Just as importantly, there will be ample opportunity for networking—because in times of change, collaboration is as valuable as information.
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