The World Cocoa Foundation invites all stakeholders committed to shaping a sustainable future for the cocoa and chocolate supply chain to the 2025 Partnership Meeting in São Paulo, Brazil. This leading global event takes place this year under the theme of 'Our Future: Resilience Through Sustainability'. Members and partners, donors, decision-makers and thought leaders will come together to chart a new course forward.

This annual event unites cocoa farmers and experts from companies, governments, academia, financial donors and philanthropists, civil society and press in a single forum for discussion, collaboration and shared progress on sustainability in a dialogue meant to help us align for global action. We look forward to seeing you there as we shape the future of our sector together.

Our Future: Resilience Through Sustainability

Today, we find ourselves at a critical moment for the cocoa sector. Farmers face mounting challenges including tree disease, climate change, declining productivity and new regulations that pose high hurdles for compliance. As this drives a supply deficit, markets are fluctuating with severe volatility. Industry and governments are being pressed to achieve progress on sustainability issues now. Resilience for the entire sector – environmentally, socially and economically – has never been more of an imperative.

These interlinked challenges offer us an unprecedented chance to elevate how we work together across the cocoa sector. Our individual and collective resilience rests on our ability to understand the drivers of the current situation and identify solutions to map a new path forward. With Latin America as the setting, the event will focus on how to solve the acute global challenges facing all of us in the sector.

Why you should join in 2025

Insightful Programme Featuring Thought-Leading Speakers

Join us for an insightful agenda featuring sessions on markets, climate impact, agroforestry, regenerative farming and cocoa’s role in prosperity. Plus, get the latest updates on WCF’s impact measurement. Programme highlights and featured sessions here

New Voices and Stakeholders

Around 450 people from more than 40 countries representing the cocoa supply chain and beyond. The event includes diverse perspectives and cross-commodity stakeholders and welcomes farmer organisations, governments and civil society organisations. Networking can start before the event as we will introduce an app featuring the agenda, speakers and showing all participants. More to come!

Global South-South Exchange

This Partnership Meeting offers a unique opportunity to explore Brazil’s cocoa supply chain and engage in South-South exchanges. With Brazil’s potential in sustainable cocoa production, from smallholders to mechanised farms, other countries can gain valuable insights. Delegates will also have the chance to meet Brazilian cocoa growers during field visits. More information here.

Week Schedule

Tuesday
18 March
(by invitation only)  

  • WCF Board Meeting 
  • WCF Membership Assembly
    CFI Working Group
  • Reception

Wednesday
19 March

  • Partnership Meeting
  • Partnership Meeting
  • Reception

Thursday
20 March

  • Partnership Meeting
  • Partnership Meeting
  •  

Friday
21 March

  • Brazil Session
    São Paulo
  • Start of Field Trip to Bahia
    (until March 25th)
  •  

Programme

An engaging programme will provide the opportunity for the cocoa sector to come together and discuss key issues, featuring sessions on markets, climate impact, agroforestry, regenerative farming and cocoa’s role in prosperity. Our agenda will include signature sessions such as a farmer panel, fireside chats with governments and policymakers, a C-Suite session, and a closing session with chairpersons from key industry associations and NGOs.

Below our programme highlights and first confirmed sessions. A detailed 2-day agenda including speakers will follow, stay tuned.

What will we cover:

Building Sustainable Cocoa Supply Chains
Tackling economic pressures with governance reforms, smart investments and ethical sourcing to create resilient and transparent supply chains.

Climate and Environmental Impact
Exploring cocoa production, deforestation and climate change, through collective action and innovative solutions to balance environmental protection, resilient communities and economic growth. 

Agroforestry and Regenerative Farming
Showcasing successful agroforestry and climate-smart cocoa models and how they can improve cocoa farming's sustainability, profitability and resilience, while highlighting investment opportunities, cross-sector and cross-geographic learnings and strategies for securing the future of cocoa farming. 

Empowering Smallholder Farmers
Exploring how financial models, risk management and partnerships can support farmers' transition to sustainable practices, while investigating how mechanisation, income distribution, and entrepreneurship can revitalise cocoa farming communities and attract new generations.

Future of Cocoa Markets
Exploring how emerging legislation, traceability requirements and market shifts are driving change in the global cocoa sector and shaping supply chain transparency.

Confirmed sessions

Will the EUDR and CSDDD make cocoa sustainable?
From regulation to reality: navigating legislative compliance and its impact.
This session will provide participants with a clear understanding of the EU's Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and with insights from key stakeholders, we’ll assess the regulations’ impact, opportunities and challenges and provide practical compliance guidance for enhanced sustainability.

Can I trust this data!?
Forest monitoring and GHG accounting: the challenges and solutions to finding the most accurate approach for measurement and moving towards a common reference point.
This workshop will explore the challenges and best practices in forest monitoring and GHG accounting, focusing on accurate measurement of deforestation, reforestation and carbon flux. Experts will discuss data quality, access challenges and the role of the cocoa industry in improving standards for climate and environmental management.

Agroforestry: myths, realities, investment opportunities and the ‘real’ business case .
Exploring the role of agroforestry in sustainable cocoa production. Though often seen as a scalable solution, its success depends on methods, region and goals. We’ll address common myths and highlight real examples of profitable agroforestry projects. Speakers, including implementors, investors and finance experts, will also discuss investment opportunities and what is needed for scalable financing in current models.

CSSV, Monilia and disease management: successes, benefits and what is needed to scale. 
Sharing insights from experts in Latin America and Africa on innovative ways to manage diseases like CSSV and Monilia. With input from plant pathologists, field practitioners, and cocoa sector representatives. We’ll discuss successful projects, the benefits of addressing these diseases and how collaboration can scale efforts for lasting impact. 

Patterns and determinants of farmer income in the Yapo-Abbé and Bossematié landscapes
Outcomes of the first implementation of the CHIS methodology 
This session will explore findings from the Cocoa Household Income Study (CHIS), focusing on income patterns among cocoa farmers in Côte d'Ivoire. Learn how CHIS compares with other income methods and discover strategies to boost farmer incomes. Experts, government, industry and farmers will share insights on improving cocoa household income.

 

Coming soon.

Thank you to our sponsors

If you are interested in a sponsorship package, you can find more information here and contact us at wcfpm@worldcocoa.org

Platinum

Gold

Reception

Silver

Bronze

Cocoa Contributor

Media Partner

Travel partner

Join the Innovation Marketplace
at the WCF 2025 Partnership Meeting

The Innovation Marketplace is a key highlight of the Partnership Meeting. It provides a platform for organisations and companies that drive innovative solutions to challenges within the cocoa sector, aligned with the theme of 'Resilience Through Sustainability'.

The Marketplace will occur exclusively on 20 March 2025, 08:30 – 10:00 am. It offers exhibitors an opportunity to showcase their initiatives, share their knowledge, and connect with influential stakeholders from around the world. This is an excellent chance to present breakthrough ideas and network with industry leaders, donors, and experts in the cocoa sustainability field.

If your organisation works on innovative approaches that could have a tangible and scalable impact, we encourage you to apply for a booth at the Innovation Marketplace. There is no exhibition fee, but participants need to register for the Partnership Meeting.

Apply here

We recommend an early registration as spaces are limited. If you have any questions for us, please reach out to wcfpm@worldcocoa.org.

Venue

Tivoli Mofarrej São Paulo Hotel

Address:
Alameda Santos, 1437 Cerqueira César
São Paulo, BR-SP 01419-001

Explore the Venue in 3D Here

Hotel Information

We have partnered with select hotels to offer exclusive rates to participants of the WCF 2025 Partnership Meeting. We highly recommend booking early as availability may become limited closer to the event date.

Tivoli Mofarrej São Paulo Hotel

Located in the heart of São Paulo, Tivoli Mofarrej offers a luxurious stay with stunning views of the city. Special rates are available exclusively for WCF 2025 attendees. Book your room directly on their website using the promo code WCFPM2025 in the "Apply Promo Code" section.

Room Price Range:
BRL 1,600.00 to BRL 2,550.00 + 5% taxes

Please note: subject to availability!

Reserve

More Hotel Options

Renaissance São Paulo Hotel

Address:
Alameda Santos, 2233 - Jardim Paulista, São Paulo - SP, 01419-002

Located in the vibrant Jardim Paulista neighbourhood, the Renaissance São Paulo Hotel offers a sophisticated and comfortable stay with modern amenities and exceptional service. The hotel is located only 0.8 km from the venue.

Reserve

Canopy by Hilton São Paulo Jardins

Address:
R. Saint Hilaire, 40 - Jardim Paulista, São Paulo - SP, 01423-040

Located in the vibrant Jardins district, Canopy by Hilton São Paulo offers city views, complimentary bikes, and rooftop dining at Barno. The hotel is located only 1.2 km from the venue.

Reserve

 

We are working with other hotels to offer more accommodation choices.
Details will be added shortly, stay tuned!

Other Travel Information

São Paulo is a vibrant city and we want to ensure you have a smooth experience getting to and around the city.

Air Travel

São Paulo is served by Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), with direct flights from major international destinations. We recommend booking your flights early to ensure the best rates and availability.

Local Transportation

Taxi & Ride-sharing: Uber, 99, and Cabify are popular ride-sharing services.
Public Transport: São Paulo has an extensive metro system and buses for city-wide travel.
Car Rentals: Car rentals are available at the airport and throughout the city for those who prefer to drive.

Visa Information

All international conference participants must possess a passport and other travel documents (hotel reservation and travel insurance) when entering Brazil. Each participant is responsible for his/her travel arrangements and for requesting a visa beforehand, as per the applicable laws. We strongly recommend that all participants check, as soon as possible, the rules for entering Brazil that apply to them. We also recommend requesting visas at the country of origin at least 3 months before travelling.

The Visit Visa (VIVIS) allows for up to 90 days in Brazil and is the recommended visa for attending the conference. Citizens from Mercosul can enter Brazil solely with their photo ID card (physical document/original document), while citizens from other countries must carry a passport. Additionally, Brazil offers visa exemptions to several countries. Please check this information with the Brazilian Embassy/Consulate in your country.

More information here:
Information about visas for foreigners that travel to Brazil (Official website Ministry of External Relations Brazil, information in PT and EN)
Entry Visa to Brazil - list of countries (updated June 2024 by Brasilian Ministry of External Relations)

Invitation Letter

An invitation letter for visa purposes can be issued (if needed), upon request from the participant.

  1. Please contact Mrs. Viviane Fernandes (travel agency partner in Brazil) via e-mail.
  2. Please share your full name, passport number and confirmation of registration to the 2025 Partnership Meeting.
  3. The Invitation letter will be sent to you via e-mail (as a PDF document).

A unique opportunity to experience Brazilian cocoa production and innovation!

Join us in experiencing the cocoa recovery in Bahia. Engage with the excitement of the sector around Brazil’s sustainable comeback and discover growth opportunities based on the implementation of good practices and mechanisation to achieve higher productivity and increase farmer income.

From Friday 21 March until Tuesday 25 March, WCF and our local partners will organise a specially curated, learning-focused field trip to the cocoa-producing region of Bahia. Participants will have the opportunity to visit various cocoa properties, both smallholders and larger farms, that adopt modern techniques and are highly productive. We will learn about the uniqueness and diversity of Brazil’s different production systems, from Cabruca and agroforestry systems to full-sun production. We will also visit R&D facilities and have the opportunity to hear directly from Brazilian producers, exchanging thoughts and ideas with fellow cocoa professionals whilst experiencing Brazil’s unique hospitality and culture.

Location

Bahia - Ilhéus and surrounding areas.

Dates

Departing Sao Paulo on Friday 21 March, arriving back in Sao Paulo on Tuesday 25 March am.

Costs

The fee to join the field trip will cover the domestic flights (São Paulo – Ilhéus – São Paulo), ground transportation in A/C van (with driver) and 4-night hotel accommodation in Bahia (Breakfast included) to be paid directly to our travel partner in Brazil. Estimated cost per person is USD830 (for a 15-person group), which is subject to change based on group size.

Interested?

Register for the Partnership Meeting and select the corresponding checkbox option. Please reserve your place before 15 December 2024, as we expect high interest and have limited places. Final costs and details will be shared by January 2025. Followed by the request for upfront payment to secure your place. 

 

Important notice for field trip participants 

Please be aware that access restrictions may apply when visiting cocoa areas in Brazil. Participants who have recently visited regions affected by Monilia (Frosty Pod Rot) may be restricted from joining the field trip. The Fungus Moniliophthora Roreri, is not yet present in cocoa-producing areas in Brazil and poses a significant threat to plantations. We are working closely with CEPLAC (Cocoa Commission of the Ministry of Agriculture) and Brazilian plant health authorities to monitor the situation. We will inform participants in advance if specific countries or regions are restricted.

Back to top