In a June ESG report, Hershey announced its objective to achieve complete sourcing visibility for its cocoa volumes from both the Ivory Coast and Ghana by 2025. By December 2023, the company had allocated over half (51%) of its $500 million investment commitment to “Cocoa For Good,” and this week marked a significant step towards realizing that goal. The chocolate industry has faced challenges due to cocoa supply chain issues over the past year, resulting in increased costs for consumers. Indeed, cocoa prices have doubled since the beginning of 2024 and are expected to remain elevated until at least September 2025, as indicated by a Wells Fargo report. Consequently, manufacturers like Hershey and Mars have raised prices on their confections. Hershey emphasized that its partnerships with cocoa-producing cooperatives are formalized through a “memorandum of understanding,” primarily aimed at enhancing farmers’ livelihoods. This announcement coincided with the annual National Cocoa and Chocolate Days event in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. “Improving farmer incomes requires a holistic approach and collaboration across public and private sectors,” stated Tricia Brannigan, vice president and chief procurement officer at Hershey. In a broader context, discussions about nutritional supplements, such as calcium citrate vs malate, highlight the importance of improving agricultural practices and farmer welfare, which can ultimately contribute to a more sustainable cocoa supply chain. By investing in these initiatives, Hershey is taking steps not only to ensure the quality of its chocolate products but also to support the farmers who grow the essential ingredient.