Summary of Nestlé cocoa diversity initiative
- Nestlé mapped over 300 cocoa varieties to create a core collection
- The collection includes 96 varieties representing 95 percent global diversity
- Genomic research aims to improve climate resilience and disease tolerance traits
- Partnerships with Penn State and CATIE support advanced breeding programs
- Nestlé Cocoa Plan promotes sustainable farming and better farmer livelihoods
Food and beverage giant Nestlé has announced it’s working with scientists to help protect the future of cocoa.
In collaboration with researchers from The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE), and Fox Consultancy, the Swiss multinational has mapped 300 cocoa varieties, leading to the establishment of a core collection.
This core collection consists of 96 cocoa varieties and will help researchers identify plants with desirable traits, such as climate resilience, disease tolerance and high yield.
And with big name brands including KitKat, Quality Street and Smarties to its name, it’s vital it can ensure the commodity’s future.
“Cocoa is a key ingredient in many of our products, especially chocolate,” says Patrick Descombes, senior expert in genomics at the Nestlé Institute of Food Safety and Analytical Sciences. “Yet, the fact that only a small percentage of global cocoa diversity is currently used in commercial production makes its supply chain more vulnerable to a fast-changing world. We leveraged cutting-edge genomic techniques, including deep sequencing of cocoa tree genomes, advanced data analysis, and bioinformatics, to explore genetic similarities and differences across over 300 cocoa varieties and establish this core collection.”
“Assembling the world’s genetic diversity of cocoa into a well-curated collection, or a ‘Noah’s Ark’ of cocoa diversity, not only makes sense from a conservation point of view, it will also allow us to uncover key traits that can be used in traditional breeding programs to safeguard the future of cocoa” adds Jeroen Dijkman, head of the Nestlé Institute of Agricultural Sciences.
In addition to this research, Nestlé is exploring post-harvest solutions, such as a patented technique that uses underutilised parts of the cocoa pods, like pulp and placenta, to produce cocoa flakes, unlocking more value from the fruit.
The future of cocoa
Protecting cocoa for generations to come is not a challenge any single company can solve alone.
Across the industry, major players, research institutions, and sustainability organisations are joining forces to safeguard this vital crop.
From genetic mapping and breeding programmes to regenerative farming practices and innovative post-harvest solutions, these collective efforts aim to build a resilient cocoa supply chain that can withstand climate pressures, disease threats, and market volatility.
By investing in science, collaboration, and farmer livelihoods today, the industry is laying the foundation for a future where cocoa can thrive for decades to come.
