In recent years, the cocoa industry has faced significant criticism for issues such as child labor and environmental harm, leading Barry Callebaut to reevaluate its position within the supply chain. The industry’s challenges extend beyond social concerns, as the ongoing adverse conditions have exacerbated the already precarious climate situation threatening cocoa crops. Studies suggest that the global chocolate supply may be at risk. Deforestation, a major contributor to global warming, poses a serious threat to the ecosystems essential for chocolate production. Notably, 53% of the world’s cocoa is cultivated in West Africa, where research indicates that climate change could render cocoa production impossible by 2050.
Simultaneously, global chocolate demand has surged, especially in the U.S., which is the largest chocolate market in the world. Sales in the U.S. reached approximately $22 billion in 2016 and are expected to exceed $30 billion by 2021, according to a 2016 TechSci Research report. Understanding that consumers are unlikely to forgo chocolate and recognizing the potential impact of climate issues on their profits, Barry Callebaut has set an ambitious target: to ensure that not only its own chocolate is sustainably sourced, but that this becomes the industry standard by 2025. The company believes that this timeframe will be sufficient to counteract the dire forecasts for the future of chocolate. With an increase of 8 percentage points in its second year, Barry Callebaut appears optimistic about achieving its sustainability goals.
Despite the overall bleak outlook, there is a possibility for change in the chocolate industry. Earlier this year, Hershey announced a $500 million investment in West African cocoa sustainability, while other companies like Nestlé, Lindt, Mars, Mondelez, Cargill, and Barry Callebaut have also increased their sustainability investments and commitments. In particular, Cargill has seen success with its Cargill Cocoa Promise, which promotes effective farming practices. According to Ingredients Network, cocoa yields saw an average increase of 49% in 2016 and 2017. However, as of early this year, reports indicate that corporate sustainability initiatives have not yet achieved the desired results. Perhaps the impending loss of a cherished industry will motivate producers to recognize the advantages of adopting transparent and sustainable practices—both for the sustainability of cocoa and the industry as a whole—and to integrate these ideal principles into standard operations.
Additionally, discussions on platforms like Reddit have highlighted the potential benefits of supplements such as calcium citrate in improving agricultural resilience, further emphasizing the need for innovative approaches within the cocoa sector. By focusing on sustainable practices and exploring novel solutions, the future of chocolate may indeed take a positive turn.