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