SUSTAINABLE AND ETHICAL COCOA SOURCING PREMIUMISATION
trade, media and consumers. The UK craft chocolate market has
expanded steadily over the past decade, supported by broader premiumisation trends and increasing consumer interest in provenance-led food and drink. Bean- to-bar producers have differentiated themselves through transparent sourcing models, smaller batch production and a focus on flavour development linked to cocoa origin. However, despite this growth, the sector remains relatively small when compared to the wider chocolate industry, and faces ongoing challenges including cost pressures, supply chain complexity and the need for continued consumer education. In this environment, the role of
a collective organisation becomes practical rather than symbolic. The Craft Chocolate Association of the UK & Ireland is positioned to act as a central voice for bean-to-bar makers, with defined objectives that include promoting the craft chocolate movement, supporting members, encouraging professional standards and improving public understanding of the category. It also provides a clearer definition of bean-to- bar production, distinguishing it from chocolate manufacturing models that rely on pre-made couverture. Isobel Carse of Dormouse Chocolate and
Chair of the Craft Chocolate Association comments: “We have exceeded our year 1 target for membership which I think shows that craft chocolate makers are keen to work together. There is a strong appetite for clarity within the chocolate industry. I have always seen a strong sense of community amongst craft chocolate- makers and this is a great opportunity to
TRUE PROGRESS ON
CLIMATE REQUIRES SHARED AMBITION AND MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL VALUE.” — PEDRO AMARAL, MARS
sourcing. It’s been amazing to see the growth in demand from consumers and the business world for the industry that many of us are working to build, providing consumers a real choice for ethical British made chocolate.”
collectively strengthen our position, provide mutual support, and help our members grow.” The Association defines its members as
producers who roast whole cocoa beans and develop chocolate from scratch, with an emphasis on preserving the characteristics of specific origins. Core principles include transparency in sourcing, fair engagement with cocoa-growing communities, environmental responsibility and a commitment to quality. In addition to maker members, the Association also includes a wider network of supporters, reflecting the broader ecosystem required to sustain the category. Sophie Jewett, Founder of York
Cocoa House, has recently joined the Association, bringing experience in both chocolate production and consumer engagement. Commenting on the sector, she states: “The craft chocolate industry has long had a culture of collaboration and support with an alignment with quality, sustainable and empowered
Cross-industry initiatives Alongside the growth of the craft chocolate sector, a number of cross- industry initiatives have emerged to address systemic challenges within cocoa supply chains. Among these, the UK Cocoa Coalition represents a more formalised, multi-stakeholder approach to improving outcomes at origin. The Coalition brings together UK-based
chocolate manufacturers, retailers, NGOs and government stakeholders with a shared objective: to tackle deforestation, improve farmer livelihoods and increase transparency across cocoa sourcing. Its work aligns with wider international frameworks, particularly in relation to forest protection in West Africa, where the majority of the world’s cocoa is produced. Through collective action, the Coalition seeks to coordinate efforts that would be difficult to achieve at an individual company level, including the development of shared monitoring systems, aligned sourcing commitments and consistent reporting standards. A central focus of the Coalition’s
activity is support for producing countries, particularly Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, where cocoa remains a critical economic sector but where structural challenges persist. These include low farmer incomes, ageing tree stock and ongoing land-use pressures linked to deforestation. By working collaboratively, Coalition members aim to support programmes that address these issues in a more integrated way, combining environmental protection with economic resilience. For the UK market, the Coalition also
plays a role in aligning industry practices with emerging regulatory expectations. With increasing attention on due diligence requirements and supply chain accountability, particularly in relation to environmental and human rights impacts, initiatives such as this provide a mechanism for companies to prepare for and respond to legislative change in a coordinated manner. These developments point to an
industry moving towards more structured collaboration, where climate targets, farmer outcomes and supply chain accountability are increasingly being discerned as interdependent rather than separate concerns.
MARCH 2026 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • 21
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