Chocolate makers opt for ethical and sustainable cocoa

Fears of an impending cocoa crisis and a desire improve the lives of cocoa farmers prompted many major chocolate manufacturers to commit to sustainable cocoa goals this year.

Mars made a pledge to source 100% certified cocoa by 2020 back in 2009, but other big firms such as Hershey, Mondelez, Ferrero and Nestle all made their own commitments this year.

Hershey committed to 100% certified cocoa by 2020 in October, while Ferrero made a similar pledge in April.

Nestle expanded it Cocoa Plan in June following an investigation by the Fair Labor Association (FLA), while Mondelez announced that it would pump $400m into a sustainable cocoa supply chain. Neither firm has set a date to commit to 100% sustainable cocoa.

Companies have come under criticism from human rights activists that allege failing to stop unlawful child labor and provide fair pay and working conditions for farmers. see HERE.

Academics and industry players such as Blommer Chocolate also warn of a looming supply crisis as diseases and low-pay force farmers away from cocoa farming.

The industry promised action at the World Cocoa Conference in November and signed a new pledge promising to cooperatively work towards the economic, environmental and social sustainability of the cocoa economy.

If your firm yet to go source certified or sustainable cocoa, see this KPMG study analysing the pros, cons and costs and our editor’s blog on the potential gains.

Photo Credit: monica.renata