Friend of the Earth, the world’s leading sustainability certification for agriculture, has introduced its Sustainable Chocolate Certification in Ghana, the second-largest cocoa producer globally.
This initiative, in partnership with Ghanaian business development firm Fort Group, aims to promote sustainable cocoa farming and ethical chocolate production in the country, offering a new global standard that could elevate Ghana’s cocoa and chocolate industry.
Founded in 2016 by conservationist Paolo Bray, Friend of the Earth is a project under the World Sustainability Organization (WSO).
The organization has already certified over 5,000 farms and 50,000 farmers, representing more than 1.5 billion euros in sustainable agricultural production. WSO collaborates with 1,500 companies across 80 countries, certifying more than 5,000 products worldwide.
The Sustainable Chocolate Certification guarantees environmental protection, conservation of natural resources, and social responsibility throughout the cocoa production chain.
This certification comes at a time when Ghana, a critical player in the global cocoa market, has seen a surge in production, with a record output of 1,047,000 metric tons during the 2020/2021 crop year.
The initiative will allow Ghanaian chocolate producers to leverage the foremost international certification scheme for sustainable agriculture, developed in line with the Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture Systems.
Certified companies are required to prioritize sustainable practices, minimize their environmental impact, ensure fair labor conditions, and promote the well-being of local communities.
By obtaining the Sustainable Chocolate Certification, Ghanaian chocolate brands can boost their competitiveness in the global market, appealing to consumers who value ethical and sustainable products.
Currently, Ghana is home to over 10 world-class chocolate brands, and this certification will enable producers to align with international sustainability standards, demonstrating a commitment to responsible cocoa farming and chocolate production.
The certification is expected to benefit not only certified brands but also the environment, local communities, and farmers’ livelihoods, fostering a more sustainable future for Ghana’s chocolate industry.