India emerging market for cocoa, should become ICCO member: Official

ABIDJAN, Oct 01 (PTI): India, an emerging market for consumption of cocoa, should become a member of the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO) in a bid to take part in the policy dialogue, ICCO Executive Director Michel Arrion said.

Currently, India annually produces only 27,000 tonnes of cocoa, used largely in the manufacturing of chocolates, and imports about 100,000 tonnes worth of cocoa-based products like butter.

Speaking to PTI, the ICCO Executive Director said, "Production of cocoa in India is very low. But any country producing one tonne of cocoa is eligible to become our member."

India imports a lot and is one of the emerging markets for consumption of cocoa in Asia. It should become a member of the ICCO, he said, adding both producing and consuming countries are eligible to be members of the ICCO.

ICCO, an inter-governmental organisation of consumers and producers of cocoa, is based in Abidjan, the economic capital of Cote d'lvoire, West Africa.

Listing out the advantages of becoming a member, Arrion said it provides an opportunity to discuss with big players and participate in policy making.