Promoting sustainable cocoa farming in Indonesia
Mondel International, the world's largest chocolate company, has announced an agreement with the Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute (ICCRI) and suppliers Armajaro and Olam to promote sustainable Indonesian cocoa farming, improve bean quality
“Sustainable cocoa supply begins with thriving cocoa communities, and more efficient farming leads to farmers’ financial security,” said Cathy Pieters, director of Cocoa Life at Mondel International, whose brands include Milka, Cadbury, Toblerone and Lacta.
“Partnering is key to creating lasting change through our Cocoa Life programme. Together with the Indonesian government, suppliers and other NGO partners, we’re empowering cocoa-farming families to create the kind of communities they and their children want to live in, while promoting gender equality,” she added.
Indonesia is the third-largest cocoa producer in the world, and the fifth origin country to launch Cocoa Life, Mondel International’s US$400-million (Bt12.4 billion), 10-year commitment to improve the livelihoods and living conditions of more than 200,000 cocoa farmers and about one million people in cocoa-farming communities around the world.
Together with its partners, Mondel International aims to develop a long-term, high-quality supply of Indonesian cocoa and strengthen the country position as a leading producer of sustainable cocoa.
Under Cocoa Life, Mondel International and the ICCRI, together with Armajaro and Olam, will apply their know-how to promote better cocoa farming and processing techniques designed to boost productivity, improve farmer incomes and more effectively manage their environmental impact.
Cocoa Life will also organise community meetings where farming families can discuss their needs and priorities and create community action plans to achieve specific development outcomes, such as expanding farmer field schools and improving access to farming tools.
Armajaro and Olam will be important partners in sourcing cocoa from Indonesian Cocoa Life communities, reflecting their strong commitment to sustainability.
Indonesia has great potential for cocoa development, said Andi Sitti Asmayanti, Southeast Asia Cocoa Development manager at Mondel International. “Through Cocoa Life, we plan to involve more than 50,000 Indonesian farmers. Together, we can help farmers address low productivity and add value to communities,” he said.
