CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS is a regular Confectionery News podcast and online feature profiling influential people working in the confectionery industry. Our first podcast guest is James Cadbury, founder of ethical chocolate company Love Cocoa, and yes, a descendant of the original Mr Cadbury.

The World Cocoa Farmers Organization (WCFO) is asking Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to reconsider setting a minimum cocoa price, while the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) is suprised the price was not higher.

In this exclusive ConfectioneryNews’ podcast we talk to Kaylee Dugan and Laura Renaud, part of the company’s communications team, on what’s trending and how Hershey are managing to keep ahead of the competition.

A new exhibition at York Chocolate Story delves into the one of the world’s most popular chocolate bars. We speak to the man behind the exhibition, guest experience manager Bernie Fleck.

Rick Scobey, the president of the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), outlines how cocoa outside sustainability programmes can be deforestation-free and what happens to farmers encroaching on protected areas.

Jen Shepherd, Fairtrade Foundation’s cocoa supply chain manager, talks to CN editor Anthony Myers on how the organization is working with its producer networks to address key issues such as climate change, gender empowerment and living incomes in the industry.

Ecuador’s efforts to create value at origin could be damaged by the EU’s recent regulation of heavy metal cadmium in chocolate, claims the president of the country’s cocoa export association.

The wellbeing of children and youth in cocoa-growing communities was an important item on the agenda of WCF’s recent partnership meeting in Brazil. Taco Terheijden, Cargill group director, sustainability, explains what his company is doing to improve conditions for young people working in the cocoa sector.