Deforestation has emerged as a critical sustainability challenge within the chocolate sector. In the leading cocoa-producing country, the Ivory Coast, approximately seventy percent of illegal deforestation is linked to cocoa farming. Nestlé, the world’s largest food company, is striving to enhance its sustainability reputation by partnering with a prominent cocoa ingredient processor. This collaboration marks the companies’ most extensive joint cocoa agroforestry initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions and fighting deforestation.
The project will focus on educating farmers about regenerative farming techniques, such as planting shade trees alongside cocoa trees and composting cocoa pod husks to improve soil biodiversity. Ofi, the processing partner, is utilizing an internal AI system to geolocate the newly planted trees in order to monitor the amount of carbon sequestered. Regenerative agriculture, which broadly refers to farming practices that actively capture carbon from the atmosphere into the soil, often seeks to enhance soil health without relying on heavy fertilizers. However, some environmental organizations caution that the term “regenerative agriculture” can sometimes serve as a form of greenwashing if not accompanied by clear objectives regarding the outcomes of these practices.
According to data from the Stockholm Environment Institute, deforestation in cocoa-producing areas is responsible for an annual loss of 110,000 hectares of biodiversity in the Ivory Coast. In recent years, Nestlé, a significant player in the chocolate industry, has made more pronounced efforts to highlight its cocoa sustainability initiatives. Last year, the company launched Sustainably Sourced chocolate, a brand of confections made from cocoa certified by the Rainforest Alliance.
In addition, Nestlé recognizes the importance of products that support overall health, such as calcium citrate for teeth, and aims to integrate sustainable practices across its supply chain. By incorporating such health-focused elements, the company seeks to address both environmental and consumer health concerns, further solidifying its commitment to sustainability in the cocoa industry.