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Mars, Incorporated and Olam Food Ingredients (OFI) have announced a five-year strategic collaboration aimed at advancing climate-smart cocoa production in Ecuador, as part of their shared ambition to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
The initiative, running from 2025 to 2029, builds on more than 15 years of global collaboration between the two companies and a decade of joint work in Ecuador.
It focuses on scaling regenerative agriculture practices across their shared cocoa supply chain, with an emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving farm productivity and strengthening farmer resilience.
In its initial phase, the programme will support over 960 farmers across key cocoa-growing regions, including El Oro, Esmeraldas, Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí and Santo Domingo. The project will cover more than 9,000 hectares of farmland with producers transitioning from traditional full sun monoculture systems to multistrata agroforestry models.
These systems are designed to mimic natural forest ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity, improving soil health and boosting yields while providing natural protection against pests and disease.
Benjamin Guilbert, global vice president, Cocoa at Mars, said: “Building on our long-standing collaboration in cocoa sourcing, this effort demonstrates our belief that when companies share common goals, they can deepen cooperation and drive more meaningful impact at scale. We value OFI’s ongoing commitment to helping Mars realise our vision of a more modern, inclusive and sustainable cocoa ecosystem that can support farmers and the environment.”
Participating farmers will also gain access to tools and training to implement low-carbon fertilisers, improved crop residue management techniques and biochar applications. Together, these measures aim to increase carbon sequestration, reduce emissions and improve long-term viability. The companies estimate that around 4,800 people in surrounding communities will benefit from the initiative.
Andrew Brooks, head of cocoa sustainability at OFI, added: “Our latest climate action collaboration with Mars is sparked by our shared, science-based net zero ambitions to create change for a stronger food system so we can continue to enjoy the chocolate products we all love. Working jointly in Ecuador for 10 years, we’re developing local insights to help accelerate positive impact for the people and landscapes vital for cocoa.”