Forging vital cocoa and chocolate connections.

The article reviews the latest edition of Choco Tec, a biennial confectionery industry event held in Cologne, Germany, which attracted over 360 global executives to discuss key issues such as rising cocoa prices, sustainability, deforestation, and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the sector. Presentations highlighted challenges faced by cocoa farmers, environmental legislation including the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and innovations like plant-cell based "alt-choc" cocoa and the emerging Dubai Chocolate trend. Exhibitors and industry specialists emphasized the event's value for networking, knowledge exchange, and showcasing new technologies and products amid ongoing supply chain and pricing pressures. Organizers noted a diverse and senior-level attendance, reflecting the event's growing significance in addressing current and future challenges in cocoa and chocolate production.