MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company took center stage at the 2024 edition of the National Cocoa and Chocolate Days (JNCC), held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from September 27 to October 1, 2024.
Themed “No Producer, No Cocoa,” the event highlighted the important role of local cocoa producers, a key message echoed by MSC during their panel discussion, “Logistics Serving Cocoa Producers: Ideas, Innovations, and Approaches.” The panel brought together Carine Kouakou, MSC’s Director of San Pedro Agency, and Dr. Guillaume N’Guessan, a geography professor from Jean Lorougnon Guédé University, to discuss the challenges facing the cocoa supply chain and MSC’s innovative logistical solutions designed to benefit producers.
Carine Kouakou, MSC’s representative, shared: “At MSC, we understand that without the dedication of cocoa producers, the global cocoa industry cannot thrive. This is why we have developed tailored logistics solutions like the Thermal Blanket, eBL (Electronic Bill of Lading), to help optimize the transport and preservation of cocoa, ensuring it reaches international markets in the best possible condition.”
MSC’s Thermal Blanket was a key innovation presented at the event. The advanced thermal protection system regulates container temperatures, preventing damage to the cocoa during transport and safeguarding it from environmental fluctuations. Complemented by Smart Containers and a vast 25,000m² storage facility, MSC’s solutions are designed to help cocoa producers maximize their profits and improve the overall quality of their product.
The JNCC event also allowed MSC to underscore its support for Côte d’Ivoire’s National Development Plan (PND) 2021-2025, which emphasizes local industrialization and improving the quality of processed cocoa products. As part of its commitment, MSC is not only facilitating cocoa exports to traditional markets but also expanding access to new markets, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and increasing trade routes to Asia and the Middle East.
Dr. Guillaume N’Guessan highlighted the importance of scientific research in supporting the cocoa industry and noted that collaboration between stakeholders could bring lasting improvements to the logistics of cocoa distribution.
MSC’s presence at JNCC 2024 demonstrates its continued dedication to empowering local cocoa producers and optimizing supply chains through innovation, ensuring that Côte d’Ivoire maintains its status as a key player in the global cocoa industry.
Source: MSC
