Cargill Resumes Cocoa Operations in Côte d’Ivoire

Since the EU lifted its restrictions on the ports and institutions in Côte d'Ivoire, the main ports of Abidjan and San Pedro have begun operating again with exports of products and beans resuming.

5/18/2011 --- Cargill’s cocoa and chocolate operations at its production facility in Côte d'Ivoire have now resumed. Cocoa bean purchases have also recommenced, and exports of products and beans will also resume in the next few days. The company’s farmer training programme for certified sustainable cocoa is planned to resume in June.

Jos de Loor, Managing Director Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate, said: “The situation is continuing to improve with visible and practical signs that the country is on the road to recovery following the months of instability and uncertainty after the Presidential elections. President Ouattarra and his government are now taking steps to restore stability and security across the country.”

“We have inspected and cleaned our processing facility and there is no damage to the buildings or installations. Cocoa beans stored at our warehouses in Côte d’Ivoire were cleaned and dried in preparation for export and have been kept under good conditions to maintain their quality.”

Since the EU lifted its restrictions on the ports and institutions in Côte d'Ivoire, the main ports of Abidjan and San Pedro have begun operating again with exports of products and beans resuming. Banks have re-opened and the local banking system is making good progress towards returning to normal.

“We are relieved that all our 460 employees have remained unharmed during the crisis. Nonetheless, they have been through a very stressful period and we are giving as much support as we can to them”, said de Loor.

“Our overall stock and production are sufficient to meet our 2011 commitments, with the combination of a good start to the Ivorian season and exports from other origin countries contributing to sufficient bean supply for Cargill’s plants in Europe, United States, Ghana and Brazil”, concluded de Loor.