International Commodities at the Sweets and Snacks Expo

The farmers in Balamine Kone’s cooperative are not just suppliers; they are active participants in a larger movement to create a more sustainable and equitable food system. By adhering to strict sustainability guidelines, they contribute to environmental preservation, such as maintaining biodiversity, reducing carbon footprints, and employing eco-friendly farming methods. These practices help safeguard the land for future generations while providing high-quality raw materials that meet international standards.

Supporting Communities: Education, Clean Water, and Healthcare
Beyond their agricultural contributions, these farmers are dedicated to uplifting their communities in tangible ways. International Commodities, through its partnership with the cooperative, helps fund critical initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children and families in the Ivory Coast. One of the key areas of focus is education—ensuring that children have access to schooling, which is a powerful tool in the fight against child labor. By keeping children in school, the cooperative breaks cycles of poverty and empowers the next generation with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive.

Access to clean water is another priority, addressing a basic human need that is often taken for granted in many parts of the world. Through various water projects, communities are able to access safe drinking water, which reduces the prevalence of waterborne diseases and enhances overall health and well-being.

Furthermore, the cooperative is committed to improving healthcare, particularly for women. By supporting maternal health initiatives, they ensure that women can give birth in safe and dignified conditions, reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. These efforts are crucial in building stronger, healthier communities.

Seeking Like-Minded Partners
International Commodities is actively seeking partners who share these values and are committed to making a difference. The company’s participation in events like the Sweets and Snacks Expo serves as an open invitation to collaborators who are passionate about sustainability, ethical sourcing, and social responsibility. By joining forces, International Commodities and its partners can amplify their impact, driving positive change across the supply chain from farm to finished product.

The story of Balamine Kone and his cooperative is one of resilience, dedication, and hope. It is a testament to what can be achieved when businesses, communities, and individuals come together with a shared vision of a better future. As International Commodities continues to grow, so too will its commitment to supporting farmers, protecting the environment, and advocating for a fairer, more sustainable world.

Empowering Farmers and Combating Global Challenges: International Commodities at the Sweets and Snacks Expo
Balamine Kone, the visionary CEO of a cooperative that represents over 6,000 farmers in the Ivory Coast, leads a significant mission: to produce high-quality coffee, cashew, and cocoa while promoting sustainable practices. The cooperative’s commitment to supporting its community goes beyond mere production; it actively engages in initiatives that combat child labor, protect natural resources, and address the pressing issue of global warming.

As the parent company in the United States, International Commodities plays a pivotal role in supporting these efforts. Attending the Sweets and Snacks Expo in May 2024 was a strategic move for International Commodities, allowing the company to connect directly with chocolatiers and industry leaders. The goal was clear: to showcase how Ivory Coast farmers are making a tangible impact on some of the world’s most critical issues through sustainable farming practices and ethical production.

A Commitment to Sustainable Farming and Traceability
At the heart of these efforts is ECAM Daloa, a key organization that works daily on a comprehensive sustainability program. This program is fully traceable, ensuring that every product—from coffee beans to cocoa—is cultivated with the utmost respect for both people and the planet. Traceability is more than a buzzword; it is a promise of transparency and accountability that sets these farmers apart in the global marketplace.

The farmers in Balamine Kone’s cooperative are not just suppliers; they are active participants in a larger movement to create a more sustainable and equitable food system. By adhering to strict sustainability guidelines, they contribute to environmental preservation, such as maintaining biodiversity, reducing carbon footprints, and employing eco-friendly farming methods. These practices help safeguard the land for future generations while providing high-quality raw materials that meet international standards.

Supporting Communities: Education, Clean Water, and Healthcare
Beyond their agricultural contributions, these farmers are dedicated to uplifting their communities in tangible ways. International Commodities, through its partnership with the cooperative, helps fund critical initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children and families in the Ivory Coast. One of the key areas of focus is education—ensuring that children have access to schooling, which is a powerful tool in the fight against child labor. By keeping children in school, the cooperative breaks cycles of poverty and empowers the next generation with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive.

Access to clean water is another priority, addressing a basic human need that is often taken for granted in many parts of the world. Through various water projects, communities are able to access safe drinking water, which reduces the prevalence of waterborne diseases and enhances overall health and well-being.

Furthermore, the cooperative is committed to improving healthcare, particularly for women. By supporting maternal health initiatives, they ensure that women can give birth in safe and dignified conditions, reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. These efforts are crucial in building stronger, healthier communities.

Seeking Like-Minded Partners
International Commodities is actively seeking partners who share these values and are committed to making a difference. The company’s participation in events like the Sweets and Snacks Expo serves as an open invitation to collaborators who are passionate about sustainability, ethical sourcing, and social responsibility. By joining forces, International Commodities and its partners can amplify their impact, driving positive change across the supply chain from farm to finished product.

The story of Balamine Kone and his cooperative is one of resilience, dedication, and hope. It is a testament to what can be achieved when businesses, communities, and individuals come together with a shared vision of a better future. As International Commodities continues to grow, so too will its commitment to supporting farmers, protecting the environment, and advocating for a fairer, more sustainable world.