Development of cocoa in Benin : The “Committed chocolate makers” club discusses with Beninese producers

In its desire to contribute to the development of the various agricultural sectors in Benin, the Investment and Export Promotion Agency (APIEx), intends to support players in the cocoa sector to develop their sector and gain access to the market. In this context, she got in touch with the club “Les chocolatiersengages”, created by European premium chocolate artisans, including a delegation led by its president Daniel Mercier, has been living in Benin since 19 July 2021.

Make an inventory of the plantations, exchange with producers on the varieties of cocoa produced in Benin, existing cooperatives, the process of fermentation and outdoor drying of the beans, which is the most important step for chocolate makers, and above all discuss with the managers and support structures responsible for supervising these producers on good agricultural practices. These are the objectives of the delegation led by Daniel Mercier. Opportunity for her to discuss with the producers of the cocoa sector of Benin and the delegation of the Club "Les chocolatiersengages". This, under the direction of APIEx.

According to the Director General of APIEx, the “Engaged chocolatiers” club, represents what France and some European countries have the best in terms of chocolate production. According to his words, they have shown their willingness to use in Benin, quality cocoa obtained under environmentally friendly conditions, with an approach that places the producer at the heart of the production and transformation process. Director Laurent Gangbes called on producers to ensure that this desire of committed chocolate makers is transformed into something sustainable. He urges them to work so that the transformed Beninese cocoa is on the best tables in the world. He also indicated that its structure will ensure that the commitments that will be made at the end of the work, will result in an action plan that will be validated with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. As for Daniel Mercier, he expressed his club's desire to work with producers in the Benin cocoa sector and put them at the center of their activities.

Patrice ADJAHO