Premium chocolate maker Godiva is partnering with the Earthworm Foundation to make sustainable improvements to the cocoa supply chain and support farming communities. 

The collaboration will begin in Côte d’Ivoire, where approximately 40 per cent of the world’s cocoa is sourced and will protect forests by tackling cocoa-related deforestation in West Africa as well as support the lives of people who grow and harvest cocoa. The Earthworm Foundation, a global non-profit that strives to positively impact the relationship between people and nature, will bring an important perspective and expertise to review and evaluate Godiva’s cocoa supply chain and help the company execute on its commitment to foster responsibly sourced cocoa.

“Godiva is dedicated to our vision for a sustainable and thriving cocoa industry where farmers prosper, communities are empowered, human rights are respected and the environment is conserved,” says Annie Young-Scrivner, CEO. “We are thrilled to partner with the Earthworm Foundation and support their incredibly crucial work to make value chains an engine of prosperity for communities and ecosystems.”

“We believe that together we can help tackle cocoa-related deforestation in West Africa, which will also help create increased value for cocoa farmers,” adds Bastien Sachet, CEO of the Earthworm Foundation. “During the first six months of our partnership, we look forward to collaborating to build the foundation needed to actively protect and regenerate forests.”

This public-private partnership brings together the governments of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana and 35 cocoa and chocolate companies, with the aim of ending deforestation and restoring forest areas, reported FoodBev.