Where do our Cocoa Beans come from?

Our cocoa beans are from West Africa and are sourced in partnership with the Cocoa Horizons Foundation. An impact-driven program, working with farmers to develop self-sustaining cocoa communities with respect to the community and environment. With sustainability a priority for us as a brand and how we make our chocolates, it is through the Cocoa Horizons partnership we can ensure our chocolate supports sustainable cocoa and better environmental practices, with a focus on tailor-made programs for communities.

These range from coaching for the farmers, the supply of better equipment, individual farm business plans, income diversification support and women’s empowerment activities, to education and schooling access, alongside a focus to protect nature including the planting of new shade trees and forest restoration projects.

How it works

The farmers participating in the program benefit from a better price for their cocoa to help them improve their revenue. This helps them invest in their farms, support their children’s education and improve their livelihoods. Part of the premium we pay for this cocoa is invested by the Foundation in activities to improve farmers livelihoods in the long term.

It is invested in training programmes and tools for cocoa farmers to become better craftsmen. Better beans results in better quality and taste.

The Cocoa Horizons Foundation works by building large farmer datasets with detailed location, agronomic, economic and social survey data on over 160,000 cocoa farms and farmers in the supply chain.
This data allows for tailor-made programs with a focus on the key issues of specific cocoa farming communities. This also enables a customised approach and coaching depending on the farmers situation. Through pilots, the program can innovate and test the right approach to scale up for a more rewarding crop.

Gender imbalance also affects the sustainability of cocoa farming communities, with women having limited opportunities to build skills and generate income. That’s why the program invests in women’s empowerment by supporting the creation of VSLAs (Village Savings and Loan Associations). This activity helps, amongst other things, to promote a child-centered approach, build self-confidence in women and offer financing solutions for farmers.

Good to know

Through the Farm Services, cocoa farmers benefit from products and services to improve the productivity of their cocoa farm. These services include coaching in good farming practices, supporting farmers to access financing solutions and providing cocoa farmers with improved planting material and farm inputs.

Cocoa Horizons is an effective sustainability program with the vision to drive cocoa farmer prosperity by creating self-sustaining farming communities that protect nature and children.

By supporting 100% sustainably sourced cocoa as part of the Cocoa Horizons Foundation, we ensure the cocoa beans in the production of our chocolates and truffles support a biodiverse environment alongside the farming communities our suppliers work with. The Cocoa Horizons Foundation activities and premium distribution are audited annually by a third party.

Positive stories

As part of the Cocoa Horizons Foundation, school kits are distributed and families are supported to obtain birth certificates allowing the children to access education. The Cocoa Horizons truck visits villages in remote areas to engage communities by raising awareness on child protection and providing medical advice but also in the evening, children can take part in games and events to stimulate and encourage education and learning.

Farmers receive coaching to improve the productivity of their plantations, so the next generations can continue to live from the cultivation of cocoa. They are taught by accredited coaches. Last year there were more than 80,000 farmers that graduated allowing them to move to more individual coaching.

Through the Cocoa Horizons Foundation, women are taught smart farming practices and financial management. They learn to grow cocoa and other crops on their own land. With these training courses and the income from their farms, women can become financially independent and have access to better facilities for their families.

Cocoa Horizons promotes environmentally friendly farming practices, working together with farmers to reduce CO2 emissions. Every year more progress is made for example with tree planting initiatives, agroforestry and cookstoves distribution. Last year 160,000 tons of CO2 were sequestered through these activities.

More information can be found here:
www.cocoahorizons.org
www.cocoahorizons.org/our-activities