Fairtrade Announces New Global Cocoa Director

Marina, who previously worked at Mondelēz International,  will lead Fairtrade's new global strategy to deliver an end to end service model in cocoa. She will also drive the West Africa Cocoa Programme, a unique approach aiming to deliver greater impact for farmers in communities which are extremely vulnerable to poverty and increasingly at risk of devastation caused by climate change.

Martin Hill, Interim CEO of Fairtrade International said; "We are delighted to welcome Marina to Fairtrade. Working with farmers to improve the productivity and quality of cocoa is a key priority for Fairtrade to support them in improving their livelihoods and therefore Marina's wealth of experience in the cocoa and confectionery sector is crucial."

Marina has more than 20 years' experience in marketing and commercial roles at national and international level, mainly at Kraft Foods / Mondelēz. She will be joining Fairtrade from Mondelēz where she held roles of Category Director Chocolate for Southern Europe, Marketing Director Chocolate Europe, and latterly as Category Director Coffee DACH & Benelux among others.

"I have long been an advocate of ethical and sustainable food production and therefore I am excited to join Fairtrade and support its focus on tackling poverty through trade," said Marina. "I am looking forward to connecting everyone in the industry, from confectionery manufacturers to cocoa traders to improving supply chains, increasing Fairtrade's stake in the sector and enabling more farmers to access international markets."

Selling their cocoa on Fairtrade terms gives farmers and their communities access to training and premiums to invest in business or social development projects. Côte d'Ivoire is by  far  the  largest  country of origin for Fairtrade certified cocoa. Dembele Mamdou, member of the Ivorian cooperative Ecojad, said: "With the agricultural training offered by the cooperative I could almost double my cocoa production. I am also working as a secretary in one of the cooperative's sections. In the future we want to invest our premium in projects like schools for our children and drinking water supply in the communities."

For further information contact:
Giovanna Schmidt
Communications Officer
g.schmidt@ fairtrade.net
+49 (0)228 - 94923 236