Our goals for more sustainability
The members of the Cocoa Platform are committed to enhancing the social, environmental and economic sustainability of the cocoa value chain. The goals are set out in the Declaration of Intent and the Roadmap 2030 and are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
At the time of the launch of the Cocoa Platform in 2017, members signed a Declaration of Intent that defines ten strategic goals of the platform. Among other things, the declaration sets out the platform's fundamental goal of promoting social, environmental and economic sustainability in the cocoa production and value chain, thereby making a measurable contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The activities of the Cocoa Platform are intended to contribute to the following nine Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
Roadmap 2030
In order to concretise the sustainability goals of the Declaration of Intent and to coordinate them with other initiatives in Europe, the members of the Cocoa Platform adopted the Roadmap 2030 in September 2021. It defines four target areas as well as two key transversal themes in which the members are committed to more sustainability in the cocoa value chain. The targets are clearly defined in terms of time and progress is measured continuously. A baseline report in 2022 will serve as the basis for an interim report in 2025 and a final report in 2030.
The Roadmap 2030 defines measurable targets along the following six themes to promote sustainability in the cocoa value chain:
Target area 1: Living income
By 2030, all members actively contribute to enabling a living income for cocoa farmers and their families. In doing so, they take a holistic approach and consider all critical factors such as crop price, income diversification, improving enabling conditions as well as local governance. Read more
Target area 2: Climate, forest and agroforestry
With the goal of a deforestation-free and climate-friendly cocoa supply chain, members participate in international efforts to halt deforestation and forest degradation and promote the adoption of climate-friendly agricultural and agroforestry practices. In doing so, members collaborate beyond their own supply chains at the regional level. Read more
Target area 3: Tackling child labour
All members active in producing countries with incidence of child labour actively contribute to the elimination of its causes. In doing so, they follow a holistic approach that includes education, health, social security, improvement of income and overall framework conditions. The aim is to significantly improve the prospects of young people by 2025. Read more
Target area 4: Traceability and transparency
The members of the Cocoa Platform promote and progressively improve the traceability of cocoa beans back to their origin in order to facilitate development opportunities for cocoa farmers and increase transparency for consumers. By 2025, at least 80 % of all cocoa-containing products imported by platform members should be traceable based on sustainable agricultural production. By 2030, the share should comprise 100 %. Read more
Transversal theme 1: Gender equality
As a key transversal theme, particular importance is attached to the issue of gender equality, as strengthening women's social position and rights is key to solving many challenges in the cocoa sector. Platform members enable women to have better access to training, jobs, land, markets, education and financial services. Read more
Transversal theme 1: Innovation
A second important transversal theme is innovation to improve value creation in producing countries. The potential and need for innovation arises both in the production and processing of cocoa beans and in the greater diversification of production steps and product ranges. Members of the Cocoa Platform are therefore encouraged to test innovative approaches and share experiences with each other. Read more
Implementation of the Roadmap 2030
The objectives of the Roadmap are implemented through projects, peer learning (via webinars, events, and communication efforts), and international collaboration and dialogue with our partners in producing and consuming countries. The achievement of these goals is measured and documented using a common monitoring framework.
From the fourth quarter of 2024 to the second quarter of 2025, we will review the Roadmap. Key target areas will remain, but we will set more ambitious specific targets in response to developments such as cocoa pricing and yields, the evolving impacts of climate change, upcoming regulations and their effects, and other emerging factors.