LCF 2025 REVIEW


LONDON CHOCOLATE FORUM 2025 UNITES THE GLOBAL COCOA AND CHOCOLATE INDUSTRY FOR A DAY OF INSIGHT, INNOVATION, AND COLLABORATION


Bringing together leaders, innovators, and changemakers from every corner of the cocoa and chocolate world, the London Chocolate Forum 2025 showcased a day of knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and optimism.


T


he London Chocolate Forum 2025 once again proved itself as the premier meeting point for the global cocoa and chocolate value chain. Hosted


by Kennedy’s Confection, the event brought together delegates from over 50 companies representing every link in the industry — from cocoa farmers and sustainability leaders to craft chocolate makers, manufacturers, NGOs, and global brands. Held in London, the Forum created a dynamic environment for learning, collaboration, and innovation, with attendees from organisations including:


• Barry Callebaut • Divine Chocolate • GCB Cocoa UK • Rainforest Alliance • Fairtrade Foundation • World Cocoa Foundation • Firetree Chocolate • The Magnum Ice Cream Company (Unilever R&D)


• Waitrose This year’s conference programme featured keynote addresses


from some of the most respected voices in the sector. Chris Vincent, President of the World Cocoa Foundation, delivered an impactful keynote on “The Future of Traceability in Cocoa” as well as taking part in an informative panel on cocoa prices. “It’s been a fascinating day — I’ve met loads of very interesting


people, and it’s great to see such a thriving craft chocolate market in the UK,” commented Chris Vincent. Speakers also included Andrea Camacho of Luker Chocolate, Dr. Fiona


Lahive from the University of Reading, Sophie Jewett of York Cocoa Works, Spencer Hyman of Cocoa Runners, and Salomon Kalou of Oumé shared vital perspectives on climate resilience, cocoa physiology, farmer livelihoods, and innovation in storytelling and brand-building. From exploring traceability technologies and climate


adaptation strategies to the health science of chocolate and social impact initiatives, the event reinforced the industry’s collaborative spirit and the importance of connecting every stakeholder in the value chain. “A forum like this reminds us how dynamic and interconnected


the cocoa value chain truly is — and why collaboration, innovation, and resilience will be essential in the years ahead,” said Charles-Daniel Tchen, Founder of the Gabon Cacao & Sugar Company. Exhibitor CAPOL commented: “The


London Chocolate Forum provided an excellent platform to engage with both large-scale and niche confectionery producers. The venue was outstanding,


12 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • OCTOBER


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.” Reflecting on the event’s success, Kiran Grewal, Editor of Kennedy’s


Confection said: “The London Chocolate Forum 2025 was a true celebration of connection. To have so many parts of the cocoa and chocolate value chain in one room — talking, listening, and learning together — is what makes this industry so special. The sense of shared purpose and optimism was palpable throughout the day. This is what drives progress, and why we’re so proud to host this community each year.” With delegates from across the world and a programme that bridged science, sustainability, innovation, and storytelling, the London Chocolate Forum 2025 reaffirmed its reputation as a cornerstone event for the global chocolate and cocoa sector.


Want to get involved for the London Chocolate Forum 2026? For all conference and keynote queries email Kiran: kgrewal@kennedys.co.uk


For Sponsorship/Exhibitor queries email Gary: gsmythson@kennedys.co.uk


For more information, photos, and highlights from the day, visit https://londonchocolateforum.com/


• Walkers Chocolates • AAK International • The Cocoa Hub • Ghana Cocoa Marketing Company UK


• Gabon Cacao & Sugar Company,


• Cacao Latitudes / Ecom Agrotrade.


More testimonials for the LCF 2025:


“It’s always nice to share knowledge and to learn from each other,” added Andrea Camacho, Sustainability Director at Luker Chocolate. “These events are so important because we need to partner and work in a collaborative way to transform the cocoa industry.” “An incredible event for the future of chocolate — sustainable,


innovative, and full of possibility,” said Kirsten Marshall, Account Manager at GCB Cocoa UK. “Fabulous to see so many industry friends, suppliers, students and inspiring speakers... and to meet so many from the farming community passionate about shaping a shared vision,” said Sophie Jewett, Managing Director, York Cocoa Works. “To come and learn more about the cocoa industry has been


fantastic,” said Michael Cooke, Global Director at VisionSpring. “I can see why it’s such a useful forum for so many people.”


2025


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