7 May 2024

Fairtrade Statement on Lifting of the Suspension of Cocoa Beans in Côte d’Ivoire

The Ivorian regulatory body Conseil Café Cacao (CCC) has unconditionally lifted the temporary suspension of Fairtrade beans, which means that certified cooperatives in Côte d’Ivoire can sell Fairtrade beans and exporters can buy them.

The suspension, was prompted by an unusually high volume of Fairtrade cocoa beans traded on their platform, which the CCC wanted to look into. Fairtrade Africa and the CCC wished to ensure that only Fairtrade cocoa beans are being sold as Fairtrade. Selling non Fairtrade beans as Fairtrade is a non compliance with the Fairtrade Standard.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of Fairtrade Africa and their relationship with CCC, the integrity of Fairtrade certified beans was protected by ensuring that trading occurs in compliance with the Fairtrade Standards and in respect of the regulations of the CCC.