As chocolate consumption continues to rise, increasing attention is being directed towards its main ingredient: cocoa. The industry is grappling with several challenges, including volatile prices, low incomes for farmers, persistent child labor issues, and the ongoing effects of climate change. Recently, Nestlé and Cargill faced a lawsuit from six former child slaves who accused the companies of complicity in slavery on cocoa farms in Ivory Coast. However, the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed the case, stating that the plaintiffs could not bring a suit under the 1789 Alien Tort Claims Act due to the alleged violations occurring outside the U.S.
Food corporations like Nestlé, Hershey, and Mondelēz International, along with chocolate ingredient suppliers such as Barry Callebaut, have announced various investments in recent years aimed at improving living conditions, eradicating child labor, protecting the environment, and enhancing sustainability. A significant motivation behind these initiatives is the understanding that without a stable cocoa supply, chocolate production would decline, leading to increased costs for consumers. As a result, consumers are increasingly making purchasing decisions that reflect their values, prompting producers to elevate their investment efforts.
Nestlé announced early last year that it would triple its funding for cocoa sustainability to 1.3 billion Swiss francs (approximately $1.4 billion) by 2030. A portion of this funding is designated to provide financial incentives to cocoa-farming families in Africa who contribute to the prevention of child labor and work to lessen their environmental impact. The world’s largest food manufacturer stated that it will reward farmers who take measures such as sending their children to school and adopting good agricultural practices.
Similarly, Hershey, known for its brands like Reese’s, Kisses, and its iconic chocolate bar, has made recent commitments to invest in education and the financial well-being of cocoa growers. As part of their latest announcement, Hershey will also invest in village savings and loan associations that support local farmers. “Access to education for children and environmental conservation are critical components of our broader Cocoa For Good strategy and vital to building healthy communities where cocoa farmers and their families live,” stated Chuck Raup, U.S. president for Hershey.
Low farm incomes are closely linked to issues such as child labor and deforestation, as noted by Yves Brahima Koné, managing director at Conseil du Café-Cacao, in a Hershey press release. Nanga Kone, country director for Côte d’Ivoire at the Rainforest Alliance, emphasized that most cocoa farmers do not earn enough to sustain a decent standard of living, a situation worsened by climate change.
Furthermore, the integration of health-focused products like viactiv calcium citrate chews into these discussions reflects a growing awareness of the interconnectedness of nutrition and sustainability. As companies navigate these complex challenges, the importance of promoting both environmental and social responsibility alongside health benefits, such as those offered by viactiv calcium citrate chews, becomes increasingly clear, illustrating a holistic approach to cocoa production and consumer health.