Hershey signs agreement with cocoa cooperatives aimed at improving farmer income and farm resiliency
The announcement coincided with the annual National Cocoa and Chocolate Days held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
HERSHEY, Pa., October 31, 2024 — Hershey has announced a five-year agreement with nine cocoa-producing cooperatives in Côte d’Ivoire. The move is part of its “Cocoa For Good” strategy, a 10-year, US$ 500 million investment launched in 2018 by the company to address the complex challenges facing cocoa farmers. The agreement aims to build lasting relationships with farmers that enable a more resilient supply.
A long-term commitment to improve farmer livelihoods
The announcement coincided with the annual National Cocoa and Chocolate Days held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The heart of the agreement is a memorandum of understanding between Hershey, Sucden, and the nine cooperatives which aims to: Partner with farmers to professionalize cocoa farming and improve their profitability; Invests in community-based resources that improve household wellbeing; and preserve the environment and strengthen farm resilience.
Long-term collaboration among the three entities provides stability for farmers and an ability to more directly engage in addressing on-the-farm challenges.
“Improving farmer incomes requires a holistic approach and collaboration across public and private sectors,” said Tricia Brannigan, Vice President, Chief Procurement Officer for Hershey. “Collaboration happens best when you have trust. Trust is built over time through strong, long-lasting relationships.”
Building resilient communities within cocoa supply chains
This agreement aligns with Côte d’Ivoire’s National Strategy for Sustainable Cocoa to ensure a coordinated and lasting approach to addressing key challenges in the Ivorian cocoa sector.
This latest move by Hershey is part of a series of significant investments in the well-being of cocoa farming communities. In addition to its US$ 500 million “Cocoa for Good” investment, Hershey launched its US$ 40 million Income Accelerator programme in 2023.
The company is also funding the construction of primary schools in farming communities, through an agreement with the National Oversight Committee for Actions to Fight Child Labour, Trafficking and Exploitation and the International Cocoa Initiative.
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