(Business in Cameroon) - Telcar Cocoa, local trader of U.S. Cargill, distributed CFA2.2 billion in premiums to certified cocoa farmers during the 2017-18 campaign. The ceremony was held in Yaoundé last September 24. The same amount was distributed in 2016-2017.

This new envelope brings to about CFA6 billion the amount of certified cocoa production premiums distributed in Cameroon over the past six cocoa years by Telcar Cocoa. For the record, thanks to the “Cargill Cocoa Promise” initiative, Telcar Cocoa is the main promoter of cocoa certification in Cameroon, with more than 8,000 certified producers between 2011 and 2015.  

Certification training programs in production areas spur a constant growth in certified beans production. From 5,446 tons in 2013-2014, a trader achieved a production of 43,700 tons during the 2016-2017 season, and almost the same volume in 2017-2018.

Let’s note that the Cameroonian government is also promoting certified beans and plans to distribute about CFA1 billion in premiums to certified cocoa producers in the coming weeks.

Brice R. Mbodiam