Mondelēz to empower more farmers

Mondelēz International Inc has announced the expansion of its Cocoa Life programme in Ivory Coast. In line with its commitment to empower 200,000 farmers and invest $400 million in Ivory Coast and five other cocoa origins by 2022, Mondelēz International will partner with Barry Callebaut and international development NGO Solidaridad to scale up the implementing capacity of its holistic programme Cocoa Life.

“This new partnership will allow us to quickly double the number of farmers we reach in Ivory Coast in just two years from 2014,” says Cathy Pieters, director of Cocoa Life at Mondelēz International.

“Their complementary expertise will support our objectives of creating thriving cocoa communities while ensuring sustainable cocoa production.”

Barry Callebaut and Solidaridad will work hand in hand on the ground. Barry Callebaut will provide farmers with agricultural training and access to inputs to improve cocoa productivity and incomes, while Solidaridad will work together with the cocoa communities to design tailored community action plans and implement actions to strengthen livelihoods, empower women and promote children’s rights.

“We have had a long time commitment to sustainability and as a long term partner of Mondelēz International, we are extremely pleased to have been selected to support the implementation of their cocoa sustainability programme,” says Antoine de Saint-Affrique, CEO of Barry Callebaut.

“We will use our strong presence on the ground to help Mondelēz International transform the lives and livelihoods of cocoa farmers and their communities.”