African Cocoa Marketplace launches innovative new platform to boost global trade

African Cocoa Marketplace (ACM) has officially launched its innovative new platform, connecting African cocoa producers with global buyers and investors. ACM aims to elevate the global perception of African cocoa by reflecting the continent’s 120+ years of cocoa sustainability, quality, and excellence.

This digital marketplace launch coincides with the start of the 2024-25 main harvest season in Africa, offering a timely opportunity for sellers to promote their business strengths and value propositions to a global audience. Buyers can also benefit by finding the exact cocoa products that align with their business values and needs.

A key feature of ACM is its rigorous due diligence process, which ensures that all marketing claims made by sellers are verified and certified according to ACM’s standards. This new certification aims to enhance transparency, sustainability, and traceability throughout the cocoa supply chain.

ACM’s CEO and founder, Dr. Kristy Leissle, has led the platform’s development for the past 18 months, and the company has already onboarded sellers from key cocoa-producing countries, including Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

Dr. Leissle emphasised the platform’s focus on fostering connections between buyers and sellers. “Our platform makes it easy for both parties to share their value propositions and demonstrate evidence of best practices to potential business partners,” she said.

Utilising the platform

One of the early adopters of ACM is United Women for Sustainable Development, a women-led cooperative based in Bong County, Liberia.

CEO Denise Karway expressed excitement about the opportunities the platform offers, She said, “United Women for Sustainable Development is excited to join ACM. As a women-led cooperative dedicated to organic cocoa production and trade, this platform will give us a unique opportunity to connect with a broader market and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.

“Our goal is to expand our reach, increase sales, and support local communities by creating sustainable livelihoods. By leveraging the ACM platform, we hope to showcase our high-quality organic cocoa beans and ensure more women and youth are involved in the value chain. By joining ACM, we can work together to create a more equitable and sustainable future for the cocoa industry.”

Reflecting on the legacy and potential of African cocoa, Dr. Leissle remarked, “When I look at African cocoa, I see a venerable past: well over a century of global leadership in cocoa production, with cocoa wealth, expertise, and knowledge passed on through generations. I also see a bright future, which lies in the hands of cocoa farmers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders across the continent who trade and process cocoa.’

With its focus on sustainability, quality, and fostering connections between Africa and the global market, ACM is poised to revolutionise how cocoa is traded, ensuring that African producers get the recognition and fair market value they deserve.