Online Store - Fine Chocolate Industry Association

Over 20 years has passed since multinational chocolate companies signed the Harkin-Engle protocol, pledging to eradicate child labor in their supply chains. Today, the problem persists, despite significant investments. Why has progress been so limited and taken so long? Are there any "missing links" in industry conversations and remediation efforts? Join FCIA for a discussion with leading child labor experts and contemporary cocoa farmers, moderated by Dr. Kristy Leissle. Our featured panelists are Kwabena Assan Mends, founder of Emfed Farms, Dr Amanda Berlan, a social anthropologist by training, with a particular focus on cocoa and the chocolate industry and Leonard Agyemen, a PhD candidate at the Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission, and Culture in Akropong-Akuapem.

In the second of the FCIA Fine Chocolate Glossary debate-style webinars, you will have a chance to hear once again from the experts: leading agroforestry practitioners, and experienced professionals whose knowledge has guided the application of agroforestry for cocoa farmers worldwide.

Panelists Include:

• Selasse Gidiglo, Senior Officer, Rainforest Alliance

• Jerry Toth, Agroforestry Practitioner, Cacao Grower, Chocolate Maker, TMA & To'ak Chocolate (Ecuador)

• James Hazen, Chief of Party, Catholic Relief Services (Madagascar)

• Dr. Lisette Phelan, Postdoctoral Researcher, School of Geography, University of Leeds

These experts will engage in live debate over the meanings of agroforestry-related terms. In doing so, they will model the type of professional debate and meaning-generation that the FCIA is incorporating into the soon-to-be-launched Fine Chocolate Glossary.

After our panelists reach their consensus (or not!) on the meanings of these important terms, audience members will have a chance to ask these leading agroforestry experts their questions.

 

 

 

Over a decade ago, Hershey acquired three specialty chocolate companies in a bid to expand their reach to the fine chocolate segment of the market. Speaker Susie Picken was involved with Dagoba and Scharffenberger brands and will share the challenges they face as the parent organization shifts its focus to becoming a "snacking powerhouse" Surprise webinar attendee, John Scharffenberger joins the conversation towards the end of the webinar to provide additional commentary.

Join FCIA and Anne Boulley, aka “Artisanne Chocolatier” for a demo featuring the top 5 baked goods using chocolate as the main flavor/ingredient. Every chocolate shop, chocolatier or chocolate maker should have their special “signature” chocolate cake, chocolate chip cookie, flourless chocolate cake, chocolate macaron and chocolate brownie. People expect it and know that yours will be better than anyone else’s. Learn some great baking tips and hacks to produce outstanding chocolate baked goods for your business to complement your wonderful chocolate bonbons and other creations. Anne worked as a pastry chef and caterer long before becoming a chocolatier and will share two of her favorite recipes that are adaptable, efficient as well as tried and true. Anne became an ambassador for Conexion Chocolate and also teaches others how to master the art of being a chocolatier.

Join Bill Guyton as he moderates a panel of FCIA member companies that are also Certified B Corpoarations. Panelists will explore how and why their companies were seeking B-Corp status and how that has helped their businesses. Each speaker will share their experiences and offer advice to the audience.

Learn how fine chocolate can foster local business collaboration ( community building, ensuring great quality, keeping our dollars local, supporting local farmers/makers). Hear from FCIA member Jody Hayden owner of Grocers' Daughter Chocolate, offering beer and spirit infused bonbons along with Tina Schuett of Rare Bird Brewpub who brews several chocolate inspired beers and Sarah Anderson of Iron Fish Distillery which incorporates chocolate and cocoa in its cocktails as well spirit pairings.

Join us for an exclusive webinar, "Boost Your Sales in 5 Minutes a Day," hosted by an award-winning food writer and chocolate sommelier Estelle Tracy. In this power-packed session, Estelle will unveil the secrets to enhancing your sales with just a few minutes of focused effort each day.

Ever felt overwhelmed by the demands of running a business? Struggling to find the time for extensive sales strategies? Estelle Tracy has the solution! By dissecting various aspects crucial to business success - from social media engagement and PR tactics to customer relationship management and newsletter optimization - Estelle will equip you with actionable steps that can be completed in under 5 minutes daily.

Discover how simple tweaks, such as adding an address to your Instagram bio or crafting compelling email subject lines, can have a significant impact on your sales figures. Estelle's practical insights and time-saving techniques will revolutionize your approach to sales, empowering you to achieve tangible results without sacrificing precious time.

Hosted by Lauren Adler of Chocolopolis
Guest Presenter: Estelle Tracy of 37 Chocolates