CAOBISCO published a manifesto for the 2024-2029 EU policy cycle, channeling the collective voice of over 14,000 European chocolate, biscuit, and confectionery manufacturing companies, 99% of which are SMEs. The document highlights the role of the industry in the European economy, from supporting local supply chains to driving innovation and maintaining high standards of quality.
CAOBISCOe looks to policymakers to help to:

1. Promote a proactive trade agenda. The association encourages multilateral trade agreements to support the import of import raw materials and export of products. Negotiations with Ukraine, MERCOSUR, Thailand and Australia will be particularly important, CAOBISCO highlits.
2. Secure access to a competitive supply of sustainably produced raw materials. Restrictions on production and imports of sugar create artificial shortages and are making manufacturers unable to meet product demand. Import tariffs on raw materials should not undermine their competitiveness in domestic and world markets, the association states, adding that the diversity of supply sources is necessary for food security.
3. Ensure workable rules of origin. Preferential Rules of Origin on CAOBISCO products need to be changed so that exporters – and the European economy – can benefit from preferential trade agreements, the manifesto details. At present, a requirement that at least 40% of the weight of a product be comprised of European-origin sugar prevents the export of products in which the vast majority of added value is European.

The document also provides insights into best practices for a more resilient European industry. To support the sustainability of businesses, CAOBISCO suggests the EU should:

1. Make its laws clearer and more user-friendly
2. Support development and access to relevant data
3. Reduce bureaucracy
4. Promote good partnerships with third countries

The association also lobbies for measures that will nurture trust, transparency, science-based approaches and good governance. The confectionery industry supports evidence-based policymaking. The document is available online.

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