Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ghanaian Times
Published on 2024-04-03 14:20:15
The 2024 Chocolate Scorecard findings have shed light on the challenges facing the chocolate industry globally, including child labor, deforestation, and climate change. These issues are primarily attributed to farmer poverty, with four out of five farmers living below the poverty threshold.
The scorecard evaluates the sustainability practices of major chocolate companies, highlighting the industry’s progress towards ethical sourcing, environmental protection, and social responsibility. Despite some positive developments, many companies are still struggling to address these issues effectively.
The latest edition of the Chocolate Scorecard underscores the need for continued efforts to improve sustainability and social responsibility within the industry. One notable trend identified in the scorecard is the growing demand for organic and fair trade chocolate, as consumers increasingly seek products that are not only delicious but also environmentally friendly and socially responsible.
Speaking at the scorecard launch, Mr. Obed Owusu-Addai, Managing Campaigner of EcoCare, highlighted the importance of collaboration between companies, governments, NGOs, and consumers to create a more sustainable and ethical chocolate industry. He emphasized the need for stakeholders to work together to address unsustainable practices such as deforestation and child labor in cocoa supply chains, which not only harm the environment and communities but also jeopardize the industry’s long-term viability.
Mr. Owusu-Addai called on chocolate companies to ensure ethically sourced cocoa and to support cocoa farmers in Ghana to earn fair wages. He stressed the significance of the scorecard as a tool for reforming practices in the sector, as consumers and investors increasingly demand transparency and accountability in the supply chain.
Companies and License Buying Companies (LBCs) sourcing cocoa in Ghana are urged to pay greater attention to the issues outlined in the scorecard and to develop strategies to combat deforestation. By working collaboratively, stakeholders can create a more ethical and sustainable chocolate industry that benefits both people and the planet.
In conclusion, the 2024 Chocolate Scorecard serves as a valuable resource for driving positive change within the chocolate industry. By addressing the challenges of child labor, deforestation, and climate change, companies can work towards a more sustainable future for cocoa farmers and the environment. Together, stakeholders can make a meaningful impact on the industry’s practices and ensure that chocolate is not only delicious but also ethical and responsibly sourced.
Read the original article on Ghanaian Times
