Year: 2026

Global Cocoa Leaders to Convene in Amsterdam for World Cocoa Foundation Partnership Meeting 2026

Stuart Mitchell

At a defining moment for the global cocoa sector, the World Cocoa Foundation will convene industry leaders, governments, farmers, civil society and financial institutions for its Partnership Meeting 2026, taking place on 17–18 February in Amsterdam. Under the theme Securing Cocoa’s Future in a Changing World, the two-day Partnership Meeting will bring together more than 400 stakeholders from across the cocoa and chocolate value chain to address the structural, environmental and economic shifts reshaping the sector. The programme focuses on practical collaboration and shared solutions to ensure cocoa remains viable,…

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PRCA Statement on Lobbying Integrity and the Need for Immediate Regulatory Action

Stuart Mitchell

The reports about the lobbying practices of Arden Strategies should be taken extremely seriously. ​ If what is alleged is accurate, these are precisely the kinds of behaviour that seriously undermine public confidence in our industry. The fact that receiving sponsorship for access to politicians and advisers could be allowed within the current rules demonstrates the need for urgent reform. ​The Government must order a review of cash-for-access schemes through the newly created Ethics and Integrity Commission, and take action accordingly. As the UK’s largest trade association for consultant lobbyists,…

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Divine Launch Luxury Hot Chocolate Collection – Ethical, Indulgent

Stuart Mitchell

Divine’s luxury hot chocolate collection combines indulgent, velvety flavours with responsible sourcing, offering a rich, warming experience that delights the senses.  Created using premium Fairtrade cocoa, each luxurious flavour delivers deep, complex notes balanced with soft sweetness while supporting Ghanaian cocoa farmers and their communities.  From sun-drenched cocoa fields to the cup, Divine’s luxury hot chocolate collection is carefully crafted at every stage, creating a heartwarming experience that is at its best when shared.    Divine’s Luxury Hot Chocolate Collection  Bringing together rich, velvety flavours made from premium Fairtrade cocoa, Divine’s luxury Hot Chocolate Collection is perfect for cosy moments, offering a comforting drink that’s rich, smooth, and deeply satisfying.  The collection is available in three indulgent flavours:   Luxury Hot Chocolate – A signature classic, crafted from premium Fairtrade…

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Yanmar Releases Documentary: Innovation Powering A Sustainable Future

Stuart Mitchell

As global industry faces intensifying pressure—from climate change to declining labor availability—Yanmar is accelerating innovation across its businesses to build a more sustainable and resilient future. Rooted in more than a century of engineering excellence and driven by a bold environmental vision, the company is developing technologies and systems that address societal challenges while supporting farmers, communities, and industries worldwide. View Yanmar’s movie about Innovation for A Sustainable Future on YouTube Technology Responding to Global Needs Agriculture is at a turning point. The FAO reports that the share of the…

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‘Systems Planning’: A new model for media planning as traditional approaches collapse

Stuart Mitchell

WARC’s latest forecasts show that global advertising spend is forecast to grow 9.1% in 2026 to $1.30trn, doubling in size since the pandemic and equivalent to $150 spent on every person.  The incremental growth is mostly being captured by digital platforms, not traditional channels. Almost 80% of ad spend now flows into retail media, paid search, and social platforms. The remaining 20% is shared across the whole of the rest of the media industry. These changes in the media landscape are forcing a rethink of traditional planning approaches.   Paul Stringer, Managing Editor, Research & Insights, WARC, says: “The established model for media planning and buying…

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