Visiting AmsterDaM

Visiting AmsterDaM

To conclude the trip we had our earliest morning yet- we were eating breakfast by 6:45a.m. Our day began at ADM Cocoa. Our first speaker of the day was Michiel Hendriksz,
commercial manager of West Africa for ADM. Michiel outlined the ADM supply
chain and the product's path from the producer to the processing factory.
Michiel also discussed ADM Cocoas's marketing strategy. Then he discussed
several training programs the company is implementing to help local producers
increase their production and profits. Michiel wrapped up by discussing current
trends in the world cocoa market.

Next, an ADM process technologist Rene DeBoer informed us about the many steps involved in the processing cocoa. The company takes the raw cocoa beans and converts them into powder, cake, butter, and/or liquor.These materials are then sold to
chocolate manufacturers. Following the discussion on processing, we heard from
the logistics coordinator, Ad Grinwis, who educated us about transporting raw cocoa from
plantations in West Africa to processing plants in the Netherlands. We observed
cocoa storage first hand at the Port of Amsterdam. We stood in awe at multi-million dollars worth of cocoa beans that towered over us in the warehouses!

We wrapped up the afternoon exploring Amsterdam. Everyone spent their day differently, but the winding canals, bridges, sailboats and the unique culture was extremely memorable. After a busy two weeks, our bodies are exhausted, but we have made some fantastic memories and have learned so much from all the incredible people we have met. We look
forward to sharing our stories and photos with everyone at home. See you soon!

Posted by Evan Hultine, Alyssa Bane, Reid Thompson, Xiaoying Hou