“Improving the livelihoods of farmers and the living standards of cocoa growing communities is critical to securing a sustainable future for cocoa,” says Taco Terheijden, director sustainable cocoa, Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate. “Partnering with customers like Mondelez International ensures benefits flow to farmers and helps to accelerate progress towards a sustainable supply chain, a goal commonly shared by the industry and supported by the World Cocoa Foundation’s CocoaAction strategy.”

Initially the partnership is focusing on activities to support cocoa farmers and communities in West Africa to deliver sustainable cocoa to Mondelez International, with plans to expand to Indonesia already explored.

“We are pleased to welcome Cargill as a partner in Cocoa Life,” says Cathy Pieters, Mondelez International’s Cocoa Life program director. “A sustainable cocoa supply begins with thriving farming communities, and more efficient farming leads to more empowered farmers making higher incomes. Cargill’s on-the-ground network is a key asset, and they are committed as we are to measuring the real results of their initiatives. Together we can generate a significant impact in these communities and across the industry as a whole.”