International Cocoa Organization (ICCO)
The International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) is a global intergovernmental organization composed of both cocoa-producing and cocoa-consuming countries. It was established in 1973 to implement the first International Cocoa Agreement, negotiated in Geneva at a United Nations International Cocoa Conference. Since then, there have been seven agreements, with the Seventh International Cocoa Agreement negotiated in Geneva in 2010 and entering into provisional force on 1 October 2012.
The ICCO serves as a platform for stakeholders in the global cocoa industry to discuss issues relevant to international cocoa trade. It is a leading source of cocoa statistics, with data spanning nearly 70 years, and provides expertise in market analysis, forecasting, project development, capacity building, and policy guidance.
ICCO member countries represent roughly 86% of world cocoa production and more than 72% of world cocoa consumption. All members are represented in the International Cocoa Council, the highest governing body of the ICCO.
The Consultative Board consists of 14 international cocoa sector experts from the private sector—seven from producing member countries and seven from consuming member countries. The Board functions in an advisory capacity, with final decisions taken by the International Cocoa Council.
The ICCO also defines key terms within the cocoa industry, including Sustainable Cocoa Economy, Ethical Cocoa, Fine Flavour Cacao, and Cocoa Year.
Overview
The ICCO was initially headquartered in London, England, due to historical ties with the cocoa trade dating back to the 19th century, when Quaker entrepreneurs entered the cocoa business. These businessmen were instrumental in improving factory working conditions and making chocolate more affordable and accessible.
On 25 September 2015, the International Cocoa Council unanimously approved the relocation of the ICCO headquarters and Secretariat from London to Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, to be closer to major cocoa-producing regions.
Since its founding in 1973, the ICCO has overseen seven International Cocoa Agreements, the latest being the 2010 Agreement, which entered provisional force in 2012.
Governance
The ICCO Secretariat, based at the headquarters in Abidjan, is responsible for implementing the organization's five-year strategic plan. It reports to the International Cocoa Council and oversees the Administration and Finance Committee, the Economic Committee, and the Private Sector Consultative Board.
The ICCO publishes the Quarterly Bulletin of Cocoa Statistics (QBCS), providing reliable data and analysis on cocoa production, consumption, and trade since 1960.
As of the 2023/2024 forecasts, global cocoa production declined by 11.7% to 4.461 million tonnes, while global grindings fell by 4.3% to 4.855 million tonnes. Côte d'Ivoire is the world’s largest cocoa producer, followed by Ghana, which is known for high-quality cocoa beans. Ghana's production is supported by the Quality Control Company (QCC), a subsidiary of COCOBOD, which benefits from government support.
Challenges
The ICCO faces significant challenges, particularly in combating child labor and human trafficking in West Africa, especially in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. Reports indicate that children, some as young as 10–16 years old, have been trafficked and forced to work on cocoa plantations, often without access to education.
In 2001, it was estimated that 40% of chocolate consumed in the developed world was produced using child labor, with up to one million children affected in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire.
The ICCO, in partnership with West African governments, NGOs, and international partners, is working to eradicate these practices. On 27 November 2024, a new framework of action was signed in Abidjan by the governments of Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, and the United States Department of Labor to coordinate and accelerate child labor prevention efforts in major cocoa-producing countries.
Categories
- International organizations
- Cocoa industry
- Intergovernmental organizations
- Trade associations
- 1973 establishments