Love Cocoa marks World Chocolate Day, after gaining B-Corp status
The Love Cocoa/ HiP team led by James Cadbury (left of pic). Pic: Love Cocoa
As the globe marks World Chocolate Day, Love Cocoa is celebrating in being recognised as a certified B Corporation business, recognised for its environmentally aware and social policy aspirations, writes Neill Barston.
The London-based company reportedly achieved a notable overall impact score of 88.3, after its operations were evaluated that examined a number of aspects of its operations, including its accountability, transparency and approach to supporting key supply chain communities.
Confectionery Production recently spoke to the founder of the business, James Cadbury , at ISM in Cologne, where he enthused that there had been a strong response to its ranges for 2023, as it continues to grow its profile.
According to the company, it remains completely dedicated to helping drive positive change within the chocolate industry across its two brand, the luxury Love Cocoa chocolate series, and its spin-off H!P (Happiness in Plants) that aim to both taste good and do good. Both elements of the business have delivered a core focus on championing sustainable ingredients including with ethical sourcing of cocoa, and plastic-free packaging. In addition, the business has also committed to doing its bit towards fighting deforestation and climate change, which has previously included a major tree-planting scheme in West Africa, linked to sales of its bars.
The business, which is committed to balancing profit and purpose, was especially commended for its Impact Business Model, and its determination to put people and the planet first, every step of the way. In addition, Love Cocoa was also recognised for its work to address supply chain poverty alleviation, and its employee career development programme, staff engagement and satisfaction.
To be a B Corp, a firm must legally consider the impact their decisions have on workers, customers, suppliers, community and the environment by using business in a positive way and outside of shareholder profit.
Love Cocoa Ltd’s founder is chocolate innovator, James Cadbury, who has been focused on driving the business as a force for good from the get-go. The cocoa sourced across both brands comes from a family-owned Colombian business, which harvests its own beans and works alongside other cocoa farmers to create long term, sustainable relationships to provide a fully traceable and transparent ‘farm to bar’ supply chain.
Not only that, Love Cocoa has planted in excess of 1.6 million trees in the last two years via its tree-planting initiative in partnership with Eden Reforestation Projects. And it is now also a proud member of 1% For The Planet, donating 1% of sales to global environmental causes.In addition, Cadbury is passionate about fostering and maintaining an excellent culture with deep-rooted values that are shared by the entire team.
“I started Love Cocoa on a mission to change the way we eat chocolate for the better, and over the years I’ve been lucky enough to find a wonderful team of like-minded individuals. This achievement marks a milestone in our journey and it’s a true testament to our commitment to do business better.” says James Cadbury, Love Cocoa Ltd’s Founder.
Chris Turner, Executive Director of B Lab UK says: “Being able to welcome Love Cocoa to the B Corp community is hugely exciting. As a dynamic challenger brand, their commitment to doing business differently will be an inspiration to other start-ups and help spread the idea that we can redefine success to be as much about people and planet as it is about profit.”
Cadbury continues: “More than ever, consumers want to know exactly what they’re buying. The commitment to transparency in the B Corp certification is a critical component of our business. In an industry known for its historically questionable practices, I want to prove that it’s possible to deliver delicious, high-quality products without compromising on ethical and environmental standards. Change within the world of chocolate is long overdue. Prospective plans include setting new industry benchmarks across human rights, workers conditions, environmental impact, and community initiatives, to help both the people and the planet for future generations to come.”