SUSTAINABLE AND ETHICAL COCOA SOURCING Farmer response to the introduction
of regenerative practices such as agroforestry and biochar has, he notes, been broadly positive where tangible agronomic benefits are already visible. Early engagement has been strongest in areas where training has helped farmers connect practice change with practical outcomes on farm performance. “Farmers in Ecuador have responded
positively to the introduction of regenerative practices, particularly when they can see clear benefits for their farms,” Brooks said. He pointed to agroforestry as a central
component of the transition, supported by structured training designed to explain both short and long-term impacts. These include reductions in pest and disease pressure, improvements in soil condition and more stable yields over time. The model also introduces income diversification opportunities, with farmers able to generate returns from additional crops within multistrata systems, rather than relying solely on cocoa. “Agroforestry adoption is closely
linked to the training we’re providing that helps farmers understand the short and long-term value of a climate- smart approach, from reduced pests and diseases to healthier soils, that aim to boost yields,” he explained. “Agroforestry also enables farmers to diversify their income streams throughout the year in addition to their cocoa, helping to build more resilient livelihoods. This also reflects ofi’s focus on supporting farmers through practical, long-term solutions in sourcing countries.” Alongside agroforestry, the rollout biochar applications has been
of
introduced at smaller group level, with phased implementation beginning in recent months. Early uptake has been monitored closely, with ofi indicating that continued scaling will be informed by performance data and farmer feedback over the coming year. “We’ve customized the biochar
application to cater to small groups of farmers, with the implementation starting in the last three months,” Brooks said. “Early engagement has been encouraging. We’ll continue to drive the uptake and monitor impacts over the coming year as part of our commitment to learning and continuous improvement.” A key component of the five-year
collaboration is the measurement framework used to track progress against Net Zero objectives at farm level. Indicators are jointly developed by climate and carbon teams at both Mars and ofi, designed to ensure alignment with science-
20 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • MARCH 2026
based targets and consistency in emissions accounting across the supply chain. Each intervention—ranging from
agroforestry establishment to biochar application and crop residue management—is monitored through a combination of field data, modelling and remote sensing. This includes metrics such as tree survival rates, biomass accumulation, and documented adoption of farming practices, supported by satellite imagery and on-the-ground verification. “Each intervention is measured using
indicators developed jointly by the climate and carbon teams at ofi and Mars, enabling robust, science-based approach aligned with our Net Zero ambitions,” Brooks said. “We’re tracking the progress through AtSource, our sustainability sourcing solution, with Mars verifying the methodology to make sure it aligns with their own carbon calculations.” He added that the structure of the
programme is designed not only to reduce emissions, but also to strengthen productivity and resilience outcomes for farming households, positioning climate interventions and livelihood improvements as interdependent rather than separate goals. Looking ahead, Brooks indicated that
the Ecuador model has been designed with scalability in mind, provided that implementation is adapted to local agricultural conditions and supply chain structures. The effectiveness of replication, he suggested, will depend heavily on sustained collaboration across commercial and sourcing partners.
“Yes, we see this as a scalable and
replicable model, provided it’s adapted to local conditions,” he said. “Success depends on close collaboration across the value chain. This kind of long-term, partnership-driven approach is central to ofi’s strategy and is key to accelerating climate action while building resilience across global cocoa supply chains.
Transparency, traceability and accountability Heightened scrutiny of global cocoa supply chains has accelerated demand for greater transparency, traceability and accountability across the chocolate sector. Issues including deforestation, farmer income disparity and inconsistent certification standards have been widely documented, prompting both industry and consumers to reassess how cocoa is sourced and valued. Within this context, the emergence of the Craft Chocolate Association of the UK & Ireland reflects a more structured response from a growing segment of the market focused on bean-to-bar production and direct engagement with origin. The Association has been established
to represent UK and Ireland–based craft chocolate makers who work from raw cocoa beans through to finished chocolate. Its formation signals a step- change for a sector that has historically been fragmented, with producers operating independently and often at small scale. By creating a formal body, the Association aims to strengthen representation, improve industry visibility and provide a unified platform to communicate standards and values to
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
