5 steps for businesses to adopt socially and sustainably responsible approaches in the cocoa industry

With one of the most thriving industries in the world, cocoa companies have faced some challenging moments in recent years, as the effects of climate change are making it difficult for crops to maintain a consistent supply. However, besides being the second-largest producer with one of the biggest demands in the world, cocoa is also essential for the citizens who contribute to chocolate production.

Cocoa comes mostly from West Africa, specifically from Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, the leading countries, according to Statista, followed by Nigeria and Cameroon. Unfortunately, extreme weather events in these areas affected global production, but most importantly, they endanger workers’ lives by making them highly dependent on these jobs.

Therefore, efforts to make the cocoa industry more sustainable and socially responsible are being made worldwide, supported by organizations. Let’s see how more companies can follow this example and adopt these strategies for a better world.

Find responsible suppliers

Besides being a trend, social responsibility is what customers are looking for now when buying chocolate. That’s because more people are aware of the working conditions of citizens, as well as the pressing matter of climate change, so they want to make a difference by buying only from companies that are also concerned about these issues and actively work to address them.

Therefore, finding suppliers whose cocoa ingredients are produced sustainably, and in consideration with workers’ rights, is best for being relevant in the market and attracting more clients. Of course, social responsibility can contribute to higher profits, but it’s more likely to bring a positive impact on the brand image and keep your business on the right side of history.

Consider that the demand for sustainable and ethically produced cocoa is on the rise, as younger generations increasingly value these factors over popularity and trends. Additionally, they are willing to adjust their dietary needs according to their beliefs.

Refocus on the buying audience

Sometimes, the audience is not right when it comes to wanting to make a difference in industries like cocoa. As previously mentioned, new generations have their values straight and will simply look for alternatives to a sustainably produced product, rather than one that still relies on unethical practices.

There have been instances where people have boycotted certain brands to raise awareness about a similar issue, and they have been considerably successful in reducing sales and negatively impacting the brand's image. Therefore, shifting the focus towards the right users will make it worthwhile to buy from certified cocoa suppliers that are making a positive impact, such as Ofi.

These are the people who are willing to pay a fair price for cocoa-based products grown in proper environments, as well as those who want to consume only traceable cocoa, so they know its source and the processes it has undergone to reach their local shops.

Consider certification for social responsibility

Demonstrating your commitment as a company to be fair to workers and the environment is the best way to earn customers’ trust. The Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade are examples of successful certifications, but there are many others you can find to appeal to your business. But first, you must complete the following steps:

• Research the best certification scheme and understand the requirements, standards, and benefits of each one;
• Know your sustainability goals so you can align the company's mission with the right certification;
• Gauge the market interest for the demand of specific cocoa-based products;
• Opt for a certification program with a good reputation and a provable impact;
• Manage the implementation and compliance costs, as well as the associated benefits;

Even if you don’t get certified (which is usually best), there are ways to prove the sustainability and responsibility of your brand, including transparency. Demonstrating how your product addresses pressing industry issues can be a key solution.

Contribute to the well-being of farmers

The majority of cocoa farmers work in poor conditions, ranging from inadequate equipment to exposure to harsh chemicals used to combat diseases. While this matter is ongoing, as climate change makes diseases and pests resistant to the strongest chemicals, workers still require protection when working.

This includes providing them with the right tools and equipment (gloves, bots, and respirators) so they can manage some of the problems on-site. Additionally, training them to adopt good agricultural practices is necessary so that the industry can rely less on chemicals.

These strategies are related to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, such as crop rotation, biological control, and proper soil management. Protecting nature while producing cocoa is more important than mass-producing on the back of dying environments.

Work on traceability

More customers want to know more about their product, and not just the manufacturer and the list of ingredients. These details include the country of origin, the supplier's name, or the certification code that verifies the product's sustainability.

More companies should work on:

• Establishing a stringent standard for responsible sourcing;
• Contribute to monitoring guidelines;
• Creating rules for reporting on compliance;

Regular audits and assesments are as important to prove transparency. While they’re not common, on-site inspections, document reviews, and third-party audits can change the system by providing a clear picture of what’s happening behind the scenes in marketing.

That’s where companies must recognize the importance of collaborating with farmers, not only for training, but also for establishing incentives, encouraging them to maintain records, and respecting their efforts. This is the fastest and best way to offer farmers a chance at what belongs to them: fair working hours, fair salaries, and fair appreciation.

Final considerations

While the cocoa industry has been impacted by climate change, many companies are not taking the necessary steps to prioritize worker safety and adopt sustainable farming practices. Hence, besides generating profit, reputable businesses are making efforts to transform the sector by working with certified suppliers, targeting new audiences, and empowering farmers. Managing unsafe farming practices and working conditions is necessary for ethically sourced cocoa products.