Cocoa Summit and Film Screening: Reclaiming Cocoa with Live Q&A

The Norwich Cocoa Summit is the flagship event of the Norwich Chocolate Festival Fortnight. Anchored to the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (17 October), this year’s theme, 'Ending Social and Institutional Maltreatment: Ensuring respect and effective support for families living in poverty', frames conversations around dignity, justice, and systemic change.

Cocoa Summit (1.45pm - 5.15pm)

Across three panel discussions, the Summit will bring together cocoa farming representatives from Ghana and Colombia, human rights advocates, historians, industry experts, and consumer voices:

• Lived Experience, History & Human Dignity: colonial legacies in cocoa; lived experience of cocoa farmers and communities.

• Power, Policy & Industry Practices: government responsibilities in importing nations; industry accountability, transparency, and systemic change.

• Building a Responsible Future: consumer awareness, action, and collaborative models that genuinely work for cocoa-growing communities.

Evening Screening (6.15pm - 9.30pm)

The programme continues with the Film Screening of Reclaiming Cocoa by Swiss investigative journalist and filmmaker Philippe Stalder, who will join in person.

The screening will be followed by a live Q&A with Philippe and international guests, offering audiences the chance to join the conversation first-hand.

Meal by African Kitchen

Your full-day ticket includes a freshly prepared meal from African Kitchen, a Norwich-based family business celebrated for its authentic West African flavours. Served at the end of the Summit before the Film Screening.