Posts tagged cacao
EP 1355 César Magaña - Who Is The Future Consumer of Cacao - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the 5th of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with César Magaña, the Director of Cacao at Belco. In this series, César and host, Lee Safar discuss the cacao industry in 2025.

In this final episode of the series, Lee and Cesar dive into the nuanced differences between cacao and chocolate, the impact of consumer behavior on the cacao industry, and the market forces at play.

They discuss how traditional consumption patterns intersect with modern trends, like the rise of protein-rich diets influenced by health initiatives and celebrity endorsements.

Cesar also shares insights on the historical and cultural significance of cacao, while highlighting the role of high-quality, sustainable production in the future of the industry.

This enlightening conversation provides a comprehensive look at the past, present, and future of cacao and chocolate.

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EP 1354 César Magaña - The Impact Of Specialty Cacao - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the 4th of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with César Magaña, the Director of Cacao at Belco. In this series, César and host, Lee Safar discuss the cacao industry in 2025.

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Cesar discuss the complexities and passions involved in the specialty cacao industry.

They tackle topics such as the definition of specialty cacao, the impact of companies like Mr. Beast's Feastables, and the role of certifications like Fairtrade.

The conversation also touches on the personal pride and sense of fulfillment that farmers derive from their work. Additionally, it delves into modern trends such as ceremonial cacao and its commercial implications.

Join us for this insightful discussion into the future of the cacao industry and its parallels with the specialty coffee sector.

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EP 1353 César Magaña - What Is Specialty Cacao? - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the 3rd of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with César Magaña, the Director of Cacao at Belco. In this series, César and host, Lee Safar discuss the cacao industry in 2025.

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and César delve into the ambiguous definitions of specialty cacao and specialty coffee, discussing how these definitions vary according to different perspectives.

The episode explores the complexities of defining what makes cacao 'special' and the implications on producers' lives and the environment.

Cesar emphasizes the importance of agroforestry, the need for a dignified livelihood for cacao producers, and the significance of clean, high-quality cacao.

Tune in to learn more about the challenges and intricacies of the cacao industry, and why it's essential to focus on sustainability and ethical production practices.

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EP 1352 César Magaña - Who Are The Humans In Cacao? - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the 2nd of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with César Magaña, the Director of Cacao at Belco. In this series, César and host, Lee Safar discuss the cacao industry in 2025.

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and César delve into the intricate and volatile world of the cacao industry.

They discuss the multi-layered challenges faced by producers in Africa, the devastating effects of pests and diseases on cacao crops, and the systemic issues within the global supply chain.

The episode also highlights the impact of market manipulation and speculation, drawing parallels with the coffee industry.

Join us to understand the complexities of the cacao industry, the humans involved in its production, and the ongoing battle for fair trade practices.

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EP 1351 César Magaña - The Volatility In The Cacao Market - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the first of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward with César Magaña, the Director of Cacao at Belco. In this series, César and host, Lee Safar discuss the cacao industry in 2025.

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee Safar welcomes César Magaña, the Director of Cacao from Belco, to discuss the intricate and volatile world of the cacao industry.

The conversation delves into the various elements and actors involved in the cacao supply chain, the historical and cultural significance of cacao, and the ongoing challenges of volatility and production.

César provides insights into the realities faced by small and large producers around the globe, from Latin America to Africa, and addresses the systemic issues causing price fluctuations.

The episode also touches upon the similarities between cacao and coffee markets, and sets the stage for future episodes exploring the human elements and economic dynamics of cacao production.

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EP 1161 Antonie Fountain - The Sustainability of Cacao - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the 5th episode of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward founder, Lee Safar.

The guest on this podcast series is Antonie Fountain, managing director and co-founder of VOICE Network (cocoa) and VOCAL Alliance (coffee).

In this series, Lee and Antonie explore the state of the cocoa industry, paying particular attention to the impact recent price spikes are having on producers and the sustainability of the market at large.

In this insightful episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Antonie discuss the rapid shift from voluntary to mandatory sustainability practices in the coffee and cocoa industries.

They explore how these changes are driven by new EU regulations, such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, requiring companies to ensure their products meet stringent environmental and human rights standards.

Antonie explains the challenges corporations face in adapting to these regulations and how it affects smallholders.

The conversation also delves into the role of billionaires, government regulations, and the potential impact on global supply chains.

This episode provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of sustainability and its implications for the future of coffee and cacao production.

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EP 1160 Antonie Fountain - Big Corporations' Influence on Cocao - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the 4th episode of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward founder, Lee Safar.

The guest on this podcast series is Antonie Fountain, managing director and co-founder of VOICE Network (cocoa) and VOCAL Alliance (coffee).

In this series, Lee and Antonie explore the state of the cocoa industry, paying particular attention to the impact recent price spikes are having on producers and the sustainability of the market at large.

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward Podcast, Lee and Antonie continue to explore the complexities of the cacao industry. They delve into how big corporations are navigating sustainability and the power dynamics impacting cacao producers.

They discuss the role of regulatory frameworks like the United Nations guiding principles on business and human rights and the need for collective action and proper regulation to create equitable systems.

The episode also explores the economic underpinnings that drive corporate behavior and how factors like high cocoa prices lead to changes in product formulations.

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EP 1159 Antonie Fountain - What's Driving Cacao Farmer Poverty - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the 3rd episode of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward founder, Lee Safar.

The guest on this podcast series is Antonie Fountain, managing director and co-founder of VOICE Network (cocoa) and VOCAL Alliance (coffee).

In this series, Lee and Antonie explore the state of the cocoa industry, paying particular attention to the impact recent price spikes are having on producers and the sustainability of the market at large.

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Antonie discuss the drivers behind farmer poverty in the cacao industry.

The conversation covers the systemic issues within commodity trading, the necessity for fair pricing, risk-sharing, and the importance of farmers' voices in policy-making.

Additionally, insights into how good agricultural and purchasing practices can uplift the industry are explored.

Tune in to understand the complexities of cacao farming and the urgent need for systemic changes.

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EP 1158 Antonie Fountain - Unpacking the Cacao Crisis - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the 2nd episode of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward founder, Lee Safar.

The guest on this podcast series is Antonie Fountain, Managing Director and co-founder at VOICE Network (cocoa) and VOCAL Alliance (coffee).

In this series, Lee and Antonie explore the state of the cocoa industry is with particular attention on the impact recent price spikes are having on producers and the sustainability of the market at large.

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Antonie discuss the severe challenges facing cocoa production in Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire due to climate events, economic conditions, and inadequate policies.

Learn about the impacts of the El Nino weather pattern, the cost of living crisis, and disruptions in agrochemical supply, leading to a drastic drop in cocoa yields and a significant spike in cocoa prices.

This episode also covers the complexities of the futures market, the role of government policies, and the rising potential and challenges for cocoa farmers.

Stay informed about how these dynamics affect the global cocoa market and explore solutions like regenerative agriculture.

Don't miss the next episode, which delves deeper into the issue of producer poverty in the cocoa industry.

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EP 1157 Antonie Fountain - Understanding the Cacao Market - The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward

This is the first episode of a five-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward Podcast, hosted by Map It Forward founder, Lee Safar.

The guest on this podcast series is Antonie Fountain, managing director and co-founder of VOICE Network (cocoa) and VOCAL Alliance (coffee).

In this series, Lee and Antonie explore the state of the cocoa industry with particular attention on the impact recent price spikes are having on producers and the sustainability of the market at large.

In this episode of The Daily Coffee Pro by Map It Forward, Lee and Antonie discuss how cacao is a primarily export-focused product, cultivated mostly in just eight countries.

Antonie provides insights into the specialized market of cacao, including its unique heirloom qualities and the limited appreciation for good quality chocolate.

He explains his role in sustainable cocoa and the extensive relationships he maintains with various stakeholders across the globe.

They also explore the narrow power dynamics in cacao trading, contrasting it with coffee and discussing its concentrated market structure.

The episode wraps up with a teaser for upcoming discussions about recent trends and price shifts in the cacao market.

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