Child labor is the foremost issue for the cocoa and chocolate industry. To address this complex issue, with its underpinnings in poverty, requires the concerted effort of governments and communities as well as industry players and civic organizations.
Barry Callebaut takes an active role in addressing this issue and works with other industry members and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) towards the elimination of the worst forms of child and adult labor as defined by the International Labor Organization (ILO) Conventions 182 and 29.
Cocoa cultivation
About 70% of the world’s cocoa crop comes from West Africa. Cocoa is grown on about 2 million small family farms. Most of these farms are about 2 hectares or less in size. It is estimated that at least 16 million people in West Africa depend on cocoa as a source of income.
Barry Callebaut does not own any cocoa farms or plantations. Typically, we buy the cocoa beans from intermediaries and process them in our factories.
Responsible cocoa growing
The Industry Protocol provided the foundation for work by industry, governments and civil society to ensure responsible labor practices on cocoa farms. The International Cocoa Initiative (ICI) was established to offer a real and sustainable solution to the worst forms of child labor and forced labor in the cocoa supply chain by working closely with producer governments and local communities.
Certification
Progress is being made towards the development of standards of certification. Certification is a system of continuous monitoring, corrective action and regular reporting on labor practices and related issues in a country’s cocoa farming sector.Road ahead
The cocoa and chocolate industry is working to make a better life for children and adults on cocoa farms because our success is tied to the well-being of cocoa farming families.
