The world’s leading sustainability certification for the agricultural sector, Friend of the Earth, has introduced the Sustainable Chocolate Certification in Ghana, the second-largest cocoa producer globally after Côte d’Ivoire.
The initiative, in partnership with Ghanaian business development firm Fort Group, aims to promote sustainable cocoa farming and ethical chocolate production practices in Ghana. It offers a new and globally recognised standard to better position Ghana’s cocoa and chocolate confectionery industry.
Founded in 2016 by Conservationist Paolo Bray, Friend of the Earth – a World Sustainability Organization project (WSO) – has certified over 5,000 farms and 50,000 farmers, representing more than 1.5 billion euros in sustainable production. The WSO currently works with 1,500 companies, with over 5,000 certified products, in more than 80 countries worldwide.
The certification guarantees ecosystem protection, conservation of resources, and social responsibility throughout the entire cocoa production chain.
In recent years, Ghana has seen an unprecedented surge in cocoa production, recording its highest-ever output of 1,047,000 metric tons during the 2020/2021 crop year. As a critical player in the global cocoa market, Ghana’s commitment to sustainable cocoa production is more important than ever.
The Friend of the Earth Sustainable Chocolate Certification will allow Ghanaian chocolate producers to leverage the foremost international certification scheme for sustainable agriculture. The certification has been developed according to the guidelines of the Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture Systems.
The Sustainable Chocolate Certification ensures that certified companies adopt practices that prioritise a sustainable approach to chocolate production, minimize their environmental impact, ensure fair labour conditions, and promote the well-being of local communities.
By getting certified, Ghanaian-owned chocolate brands will enhance their competitiveness in the global chocolate confectionery market, appealing to consumers prioritising ethical and sustainable products.
Ghana boasts over 10 world-class chocolate brands. By obtaining the WSO Sustainable Chocolate Certification, chocolate producers can align with international sustainability standards and showcase their commitment to responsible cocoa farming and chocolate production.
The Friend of the Earth Sustainable Chocolate Certification of the World Sustainability Organization stands to benefit not only certified brands but also the environment, local communities, and farmers’ livelihoods, ensuring a more sustainable future for Ghana’s Chocolate Confectionery industry.
