Olam ties up with Blommer Chocolate Company to form GrowCocoa

The 50:50 joint venture will be headquartered in the United States of America.

Blommer Chocolate Company and Olam International Limited said GrowCocoa will bolster the cocoa supply chain based on the combined strengths of both partners; in origin sourcing and access to farmer groups, technical chocolate product manufacturing expertise and established retail customer relationships.

“We have been working together for a decade to improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and to develop a sustainable and traceable supply chain based on good quality,” said Gerry Manley, Managing Director of Cocoa for Olam International. “Responsibly sourced and sustainable cocoa is at the heart of our shared beliefs and we wish to focus our joint resources,” he said.

Olam and Blommer first combined their efforts in a programme in Indonesia in 2004 where cocoa was in decline due to low incomes and increasing problems related to pests and diseases. The initial programme aimed to increase productivity through sustainable agricultural practices and improving farmer incomes by paying premiums based on quality.

Blommer Chocolate Company is the largest cocoa processor and ingredient chocolate supplier in North America.