The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), which celebrated its 10th anniversary this week, marked the occasion with a gathering of representatives from industry, government, development organizations, and research institutes around the globe. "Marking a Decade of Cocoa Sustainability" was the theme for WCF's two-day Partnership Meeting, which opened the morning of Oct. 20th in Washington, D.C. During a special reception at the U.S. Botanic Garden on the evening of the 19th, WCF acknowledged the members, partners, and supporters who have contributed to the organization's growth over the last ten years.

Earlier that day, WCF's outgoing Chairman Kip Walk of Blommer Chocolate Company announced newly-elected WCF officers for 2011. Anne Alonzo of Kraft Foods will serve as Chair, and Andy McCormick of The Hershey Company will serve as Secretary/Treasurer. Steve Genzoli of Ghirardelli Chocolate Company and Gerry Manley of Olam International Ltd. will continue in their positions as Vice Chairs. Nicko Debenham of Armajaro and Francisco Gomez of Casa Luker Colombia were elected to the Executive Committee under the Small and Medium Enterprise membership category.

WCF also welcomed Denmark-based Carlletti SA and U.S.-based General Cocoa Company as new members. They join WCF's global membership of cocoa and chocolate manufacturers, processors, supply chain managers, and other companies of all sizes. WCF members represent more than 80% of the global cocoa market.

WCF President Bill Guyton said, "As we enter our second decade, we look forward to working with this outstanding leadership team and with all of our members in support of cocoa farmers, their families, and their communities."

The Partnership Meeting continued through Thursday afternoon with sessions on Cocoa and the Green Revolution, Programs to Address Child Labor, Emerging Markets and Producing Regions for Cocoa, and roundtables on the cocoa supply chain, diversification, food security, and the environment, and research.