Cargill has signed a formal partnership agreement to support Mondelēz International’s efforts in improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers across the world.
The agreement strengthens the two companies’ commitment to Mondelēz’s Cocoa Life program, which also seeks to invest in a sustainable future within the production of cocoa. The program shares several similarities with Cargill’s own Cocoa Promise initiative; the partnership will initially focus on cocoa-producing communities in West Africa.
Under the agreement, Cargill Cocoa Promise activities – including farmer training, community support and farm development – will support Mondelēz International’s goal of achieving 200,000 farmers in cocoa growing regions and 100% of cocoa being sourced from sustainable sources.
Taco Terheijden, director of sustainable cocoa for Cargill Cocoa and Chocolate, said: “Improving the livelihoods of farmers and the living standards of cocoa growing communities is critical to securing a sustainable future for cocoa. Partnering with customers like Mondelēz 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.”
Cocoa Life program director Cathy Pieters added: “We are pleased to welcome Cargill as a partner in Cocoa Life. 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 [as] 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.”
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