SUSTAINABLE AND ETHICAL COCOA SOURCING


CLIMATE TARGETS


AND REBUILDING SUPPLY CHAINS


From Net Zero partnerships in Ecuador to new UK industry coalitions, cocoa sourcing is meeting challenges through coordinated action, shared standards and increasing scrutiny of supply chain impacts. Kiran Grewal reports.


S


ustainable cocoa sourcing in 2026 is being shaped by a convergence of climate pressure, regulatory change


and supply chain instability, with recent industry reporting highlighting ongoing structural issues including deforestation risk in origin countries, volatile farmgate pricing mechanisms and persistent gaps in traceability across global supply networks. Analysis published this year across sector reports and commodities data sets also points to widening scrutiny of certification systems and renewed focus on direct intervention at farm level. As part of ongoing industry efforts


to address emissions and resilience at origin, Mars Incorporated and Olam Food Ingredients (ofi) have announced a five- year strategic collaboration (2025–2029) focused on cocoa production in Ecuador. The initiative is designed to support both companies’ Net Zero ambitions, with a shared target of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions across their value chains by 2050. The programme builds on an existing


relationship spanning more than 15 years in sustainable cocoa sourcing globally, and a decade of joint activity in Ecuador. Both companies’ climate targets are validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), providing a structured framework for emissions reduction and measurement. In its initial phase, the collaboration will involve more than 960 farmers across


18 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • MARCH 2026


key cocoa-growing regions in Ecuador, including El Oro, Esmeraldas, Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí and Santo Domingo. The programme will cover over 9,000 hectares of farmland, with a focus on transitioning production systems from full-sun monoculture to multistrata agroforestry. This approach is intended to replicate forest ecosystems, with expected benefits including improved soil health, increased biodiversity and enhanced resilience to pests and disease.


increased carbon sequestration and improved productivity. The programme is expected to reach approximately 4,800 people in surrounding cocoa-growing communities through these on-farm investments. Benjamin Guilbert, Global Vice


TRUE PROGRESS ON


CLIMATE REQUIRES SHARED AMBITION AND MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL VALUE.” — PEDRO AMARAL, MARS


Participating farmers will also adopt


a range of additional interventions, including the use of lower-carbon fertilisers, improved crop residue management and the application of biochar. These measures are designed to contribute to emissions reduction,


President, Cocoa at Mars, commented: “Building on our long-standing collaboration in cocoa sourcing, this effort demonstrates our belief that when companies share common goals, they can deepen cooperation and drive more meaningful impact at scale. We value ofi’s ongoing commitment to helping Mars realize our vision of a more modern, inclusive, and sustainable cocoa ecosystem that can support farmers and the environment.” Pedro Amaral, Associate Director and


Head of Cocoa Climate Sustainability at Mars, added: “True progress on climate requires shared ambition and mutually beneficial value. Having Net Zero targets validated by SBTi enables a bold framework for Mars and ofi to invest together in the long term in solutions that are good for cocoa farmers, good for the environment, and good for the future of our supply chain.” In comments provided exclusively to


Kennedy’s Confection, Andrew Brooks, Global Head of Cocoa Sustainability at Olam Food Ingredients, expanded on early implementation outcomes in Ecuador and the operational approach underpinning the programme.


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