On Friday, November 22, during Eurochocolate in Perugia, a roundtable was held focusing on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) with a specific emphasis on the cocoa supply chain.
The discussion, moderated by Anna Migliorati of Il Sole 24 Ore, featured Grazia Sgarra, Head of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) Office for Cooperation Stakeholders, Partnerships, and Development Finance. The session explored potential scenarios linked to the Regulation, with particular attention to the challenges faced by cocoa-producing countries, especially those lacking tools such as land registries and databases.
Key topics included the pivotal role of technology in helping businesses comply with the regulation and promoting the sustainability of their supply chains. The discussion also emphasized the importance of leveraging data and building resilient supply chains capable not only of meeting regulatory requirements but also of transforming the Regulation into an opportunity for growth and innovation.
The shared objective is to establish the EUDR as a driver of change in the sector, addressing deforestation while fostering more sustainable and responsible practices across the entire supply chain. Achieving this goal requires an equitable and forward-thinking approach that fosters synergies among stakeholders and builds a shared path based on dialogue, innovation, and mutual support.