Belgian chocolatier Godiva joins Earthworm Foundation

The partnership will begin with an initial six-month phase, the non-profit environmental organisation said. The CFI is led by the governments of Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire - the two biggest cocoa producing countries in the world, along with many leading cocoa and chocolate companies.

CFI’s stated aim is to end deforestation and restore forest areas.

'In the next six months, we will support the luxury Belgian chocolate label to draft and publish a cocoa position statement and improve traceability': The position statement will help Godiva clearly communicate its commitment and expectations related to sustainable cocoa, the Earthworm Foundation said in a statement.

Holistic view

Traceability work will provide a holistic view of where all cocoa in Godiva’s products comes from, so that a comprehensive approach can be taken to address environmental or social issues in its supply chain.

“Godiva is dedicated to our vision for a sustainable and thriving cocoa industry where farmers prosper, communities are empowered, human rights are respected, and the environment is conserved​,” said Annie Young-Scrivner, CEO of Godiva.

“We are thrilled to partner with Earthworm Foundation and support their incredibly crucial work to make value chains an engine of prosperity for communities and ecosystems​.”

Earthworm Foundation has two decades of experience of transforming supply chains and began supporting cocoa businesses and government to address human rights issues found in cocoa supply chains in 2013.

“We are excited to partner with Godiva and believe that together we can help tackle cocoa-related deforestation in West Africa, which will also help create increased value for cocoa farmers​,” said Bastien Sachet, CEO of Earthworm Foundation.

“During the first six months of our partnership, we look forward to collaborating to build the foundation needed to actively protect and regenerate forests​.”