Snapshots August 2026

Values at Work: Cocoa Sustainability

In our quarterly Values at Work series, we showcase how our five values– Innovation, Inclusivity, Excellence, Integrity, and Collaboration– show up in our daily work across different ECOM businesses.

In July, on the back of the publication of our Cocoa Sustainability Report 2025, we held three sessions focused on ECOM Cocoa Sustainability. These sessions were designed as informal “fireside chats,” with personal reflections and an extended Q&A with the audience. The sessions provided colleagues with an opportunity to exchange perspectives, ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the personal and professional values of our Global Head of Cocoa Sustainability, Pam Schreier. 

Ariana Carter, Global Smarter Cocoa Lead, led two sessions in English and Sofia Scharrer, Cocoa Sustainability & Communications Coordinator led one session in Spanish. In addition to learning more about the Cocoa Sustainability Department and its work, participants heard about Pam’s professional journey, the decisions that have shaped her career and the principles that continue to guide her work in sustainability.

The team reflected on how the role of sustainability within ECOM has evolved. Historically, sustainability was often viewed as a parallel cost centre rather than an integrated part of the business, with certification and other programmes providing additional value to customers and the wider business. Over time, driven by a range of market and industry factors, this approach has changed. Activities such as traceability, which were once considered an additional feature of sustainability programmes, have increasingly become fundamental requirements for doing business with major brands.

However, the discussion also emphasised that sustainability cannot be reduced to compliance. The team spoke about the importance of being ambitious but realistic, taking the time to understand complex issues, being honest about where we are falling short and leaning on the perspectives of our origin teams. As Pam said, "We aren’t there yet, but after all these years, I’m still a very optimistic person and think we are moving in the right direction.”

The role of our sustainability teams is better understood as that of a translator: bringing farmers’ realities and perspectives into the business and helping connect them with the wider supply chain with integrity. Farmers are fundamental to our business, and we need them as much as, if not more than, they need us.

The fireside chats highlighted that personal values are not separate from the day-to-day work. These values shape how we make decisions, work with our partners and contribute to meaningful, long-term change, and bring our commitments to Innovation, Inclusivity, Excellence, Integrity and Collaboration to life in how we work.

Meet Paul: Dutch Cocoa’s Food Safety Coordinator

Since joining ECOM in 2023, Dutch Cocoa’s Food Safety Coordinator Paul Mol works across the factory and wider cocoa supply chain to support quality assurance and continuous processes improvement.

"My name is Paul Mol, Food Safety Coordinator at Dutch Cocoa. I joined ECOM in June 2023. My job is to make sure we produce according to FSSC 22000 standards and that we continue improving our way of working.

I enjoy food safety because it touches the entire factory and supply chain. You need to know a bit about everything and work with a wide range of people. One day I am walking through the factory checking processes, the next day I am knee-deep in cocoa beans, and the day after I welcome a customer for a factory audit. That variety keeps the work interesting and very alive.

Before Dutch Cocoa, I worked at ECOM Cocoa Products Headquarters. I enjoy working on long term improvement projects, but I also like having my boots in the mud and cocoa, so moving to the factory was a good fit. Dutch Cocoa and ECOM give you the space to grow if you show that you want to develop yourself.

I get motivated when I see improvements continue without my interference. Quality should happen even when QA is not standing next to it. And although we work with only one main ingredient, I still learn something new every day."

London office takes on the Standard Chartered Great City Race

Members from our London office completed the 2026 Standard Chartered Great City Race on the 21st July. The evening was a fun 5km run through the heart of the city, and was a great opportunity to get active and support some fantastic charitable causes. A very well done to all who took part in this great event!

Dormans Speaks at the African Women Leadership Forum

Dormans' Group Managing Director, Dr. Rozy Rana, recently spoke as a panelist at the Africa Women Leadership Forum during the AFMASS Food Expo, where she participated in Women Driving Africa's Next Manufacturing Chapter.

Drawing from her experience in Kenya's coffee manufacturing industry, Dr. Rana shared valuable insights on leadership, resilience, innovation, and the critical role women play in transforming Africa's manufacturing and trade landscape. Alongside fellow panelists, she helped deliver a powerful message of confidence, possibility, and action, inspiring delegates to embrace collaboration and drive sustainable industrial growth across the continent.

Her participation reflects Dormans Coffee's and ECOM's commitment to fostering innovation, empowering leadership, and contributing to meaningful conversations that shape the future of African manufacturing.