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Get your free copy27 February 2017, 05:51 AM
- The Fairtrade chocolate producer has increased its profits by 38 per cent, with farmers of the Kuapa Kokoo co-operative in Ghana entitled to a 44 per cent share of the profit via a dividend payment
The company released its 2015-16 reports and accounts at the start of Fairtrade Fortnight 2017, which runs from 27th February until 12th March.
Jamie Hartzell, chair of Divine Chocolate said, “Profit for the year was up 38 per cent. This means we can again pay a dividend to our co-owner Kuapa Kokoo, the largest cocoa farmers’ co-operative in the world. This in addition to the 882 tonnes of cocoa beans purchased from Africa, all with a Fairtrade premium paid to farmers of $200 a tonne.”
The company also announced the arrival of two new board members, David Croft and Cheryl Pinto, at its AGM in Ghana. David Croft, who led the Fairtrade strategy at Co-op and converted Cadbury’s to Fairtrade, is now global sustainable development director at Diageo. Cheryl Pinto is values led sourcing manager at Ben & Jerry’s, another Fairtrade champion with certification across its entire product range.
Sophi Tranchell, CEO of Divine Chocolate Group said, “We have been very lucky to have had shareholders over the years who are ‘patient investors’, supporting Divine’s values and mission, and board members who bring very vital industry knowledge, experience and networks to our business. We are delighted to welcome David and Cheryl, who know Divine well, and bring invaluable expertise to our board.”
