Sustainability is a major concern and one of the biggest talking points in the cocoa industry. Now more than ever, there’s increased awareness and push for ethical considerations in cocoa production, distribution, and processing.
For the most part, the bulk of the sustainability responsibilities falls on the cocoa producers, distributors, and processors, while the consumers are mostly exempted from the discussion.
However, the consumer is an integral actor in the value chain. Without them, the value chain loses its purpose. Cocoa beans and chocolates will lose most of their value if everybody decides to stop consuming them. Without consumption, there’s no demand, and without demand for a product, its market stagnates.
As such, it’s in the cocoa value chain’s best interest that its most significant contributor also participates in the fight to protect its future.
First, consumers must be fully aware of the impacts of their choices when purchasing chocolates and other cocoa-derived products. That’s because a large percentage of cocoa used in producing the world’s chocolate’s supply comes from Africa and cocoa farming stands as one of the main contributors to deforestation and child labour in Africa.
In addition, exploitative practices by actors with more leverage in the value chain flout fair trade factors and deny farmers the maximum profit for their goods. As such, it relegates them to living below or just above the poverty line.
Why Consumers Should Choose Products from Sustainably Sourced Cocoa
Consumer demand for sustainably sourced cocoa has a powerful impact on the industry. When more people prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions, they send a clear message to other value chain actors about sustainability’s importance.
This action compels cocoa producers and chocolate manufacturers to adopt environmentally and socially responsible practices, encouraging them to invest in sustainable farming techniques, transparent supply chains, and fair labour conditions.
How Consumers Contribute to Sustainability
Consumers play a pivotal role in driving sustainability in the cocoa value chain. Their decisions and choices significantly influence the industry’s direction and growth.
Primarily, the most direct way consumers can promote sustainable cocoa production is by choosing chocolates that are certified as sustainable. Certifications such as Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, and UTZ branded on product packages indicate that the cocoa used in these products meets certain environmental, economic, and social standards.
Intentionally choosing these certified products is a way for consumers to actively support efforts to reduce deforestation, ensure fair wages for farmers, and promote ethical labour practices.
In addition, consumers can also take it a step further by actively promoting sustainability awareness. They can take up the responsibility to educate other consumers about the need for sustainable cocoa production. Informing others of the importance of sustainable cocoa products can amplify the impact, creating a broader community of informed and conscious consumers.
Additionally, they can volunteer for initiatives aimed at combating deforestation and child labour, thereby contributing on the frontlines and making their impacts more tangible.
Buying Sustainable Cocoa Products
Making sustainable cocoa choices goes beyond just chocolates. Consumers can also look for sustainably sourced cocoa in other products, such as baking ingredients, cocoa powder, and beverages. Consumers help to expand the market for sustainably sourced cocoa when they seek out and purchase these products.
By extension, they help to further encourage the industry to adopt and maintain responsible practices.
Admittedly, the consumer’s role in the sustainability drive is more voluntary than mandatory as there are little to no regulations enforcing consumers to purchase or shun certain brands of products openly available in marketplaces.
However, the collective action of consumers can lead to significant changes in the cocoa industry. Increased demand for sustainable products can push companies to improve their supply chain transparency, enhance the livelihoods of cocoa farmers, and adopt environmentally friendly practices.
As consumers become more aware of the issues within the cocoa value chain and take steps to address them through their purchasing decisions, they can drive the industry towards a more sustainable and equitable future.
