INDUSTRY NEWS Ghana to host of WCF Partnership Meeting 2027


The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) and The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has announced that Ghana will host the World Cocoa Foundation Partnership Meeting 2027 from 16–18 March 2027, bringing together leaders from across the global cocoa and chocolate sector at a pivotal moment for the future of cocoa. Taking place in one of the world’s leading


cocoa-producing countries, the Partnership Meeting will convene representatives from governments, cocoa and chocolate companies, farmer organisations, civil society, financial institutions and international partners to address some of the sector’s most pressing challenges and opportunities – including climate resilience, crop disease, farmer livelihoods, supply security and long-term sustainability. Held under the theme From Origin to Global Resilience, the 2027 Partnership Meeting


Macpac introduces compostable thermoformed packaging solution


Macpac is introducing Sulapac® Flow 1.7,


a sustainable thermoformable wood-polymer composite material that offers confectionery brands an environmentally responsible alternative for premium packaging applications. Developed by Finland-based Sulapac


Ltd, the food-safe material combines biodegradable biopolymers with sustainably sourced wood dust to create luxury packaging with the natural look and feel of paper, while delivering the durability and performance associated with traditional plastics.


Suitable for confectionery inserts, gift packaging, point-of-sale displays and logistics trays, Sulapac Flow is designed to help brands reduce reliance on conventional plastic materials including PS, PP and PET. Unlike many fibre-based alternatives, the material maintains its shape, resists moisture and allows products to be repeatedly clicked in and out without compromising packaging integrity. The material is industrially


will focus on the critical role of producing countries and farming communities in shaping the future resilience of the global cocoa economy and advancing stronger collaboration across the cocoa value chain. Alongside the Partnership Meeting,


COCOBOD will host a special commemorative event as part of its 80th anniversary programme, recognising eight decades of contribution to Ghana’s cocoa sector and the wider global cocoa economy. Chris Vincent, President of the World Cocoa


Foundation, said: “The WCF Partnership Meeting is the leading global forum for collaboration across the cocoa value chain. Bringing the meeting to Ghana in 2027 reflects the importance of convening these conversations in a major cocoa-producing country and close to the farming communities at the heart of the sector.” “This announcement reflects the longstanding


partnership between COCOBOD and the World Cocoa Foundation, and our shared commitment to supporting the future of cocoa,” said Dr. Randy Abbey, Chief Executive of COCOBOD. As COCOBOD marks 80 years of service


to Ghana’s cocoa sector, we are pleased to welcome the global cocoa community to Ghana for discussions focused on resilience, sustainability and the future of cocoa farming communities.”


Cargill and Voyage Foods to bring NextCoa™ cocoa-free confectionery alternatives


compostable, recyclable by design and contains no permanent microplastics, PFAS or other toxic chemicals. The wood dust used in production is sourced as a by-product from the North European sawmill industry, avoiding the need for additional tree harvesting.


Macpac says the material can also support improved manufacturing efficiency,


requiring lower


thermoforming temperatures and faster heating times compared with conventional plastics. Graham Kershaw, at


Director Macpac, said:


to North America Cargill and Voyage Foods are launching NextCoa™, a cocoa-free confectionery alternative in North America, beginning in the U.S. Designed to deliver the chocolatey taste consumers expect, NextCoa™ uses plant-based ingredients like grape seeds and familiar chocolate-making methods. “The NextCoa™ line is about expanding choice, not


replacing chocolate,” said Kojo Amoo-Gottfried of Cargill. The product aims to help manufacturers create indulgent flavors while improving supply chain resilience. NextCoa™ offers a 67% lower carbon footprint


Managing “Adding


Sulapac Flow to our range of packaging materials reflects Macpac’s on-going commitment to helping clients meet their environmental targets and provide the required functionality and protection for their products. “As a forward-thinking thermoformed packaging manufacturer,


it is important


that we review and expand our material offering in response to the changing needs of our global client base and to meet our own ambitious long-term growth strategy and sustainability goals.”


Photo Credit: Voyage Foods 6 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • MAY 2026


than conventional chocolate and is free from dairy, soy, peanuts and tree nuts. It is also vegan, Kosher pareve and Halal suitable. The


line combines Voyage Foods’ patented


technology with Cargill’s supply chain capabilities. Available in Mild and Dark Mild varieties, it can be used in bars, baked goods, ice cream, coatings and confectionery applications. Cargill will distribute NextCoa™ globally


through regional U.S. partners, with plans to expand into Canada soon.


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