This Valentine, treat your sweetheart to sustainably sourced chocolate
What is the best way to show your love and support on Valentine's Day? Consider buying sustainably sourced chocolate for your sweetheart.
The chocolate industry, like many other food industries, is facing growing concerns about sustainability due to its impact on the environment, as well as issues related to the treatment of workers and the use of child labor.
From an environmental perspective, the production of cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate, has been linked to deforestation, water scarcity, and the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers. This not only damages the environment but also impacts local communities and wildlife. In addition, the production and transportation of chocolate generate significant greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. According to OurWorldinData.org, the chocolate industry ranked 5th in the greenhouse gas emission level across different supply chains, just behind beef, lamb, cheese, and milk production, with more than 19kg of CO2 emitted per kg of chocolate produced.
In response to these concerns, many chocolate companies have committed to improving the sustainability of their supply chains. This includes sourcing cocoa from certified sustainable sources, implementing environmentally friendly farming practices, and reducing waste and emissions in their production processes. Some companies have also invested in reforestation and conservation efforts to mitigate the impact of cocoa production on the environment.
However, the sustainability of the chocolate industry is not only about environmental factors, but also social and economic sustainability. The chocolate industry has been criticized for its use of child labor and exploitation of workers in cocoa-growing regions, particularly in West Africa where more than 70% of the world's cocoa is produced. Many chocolate companies have pledged to eliminate the use of child labor in their supply chains and to ensure fair and decent working conditions for farmers and workers.
Japan is the largest consumer market for chocolate confectionery in Asia, with a per capita consumption rate of 1.67 kilos and an expenditure of about $82 per person. According to the Chocolate and Cocoa Association of Japan (CCAJ), in 2009, Japan produced 196,553 tons of chocolate with a manufacturer's value of $38 million, while 19,375 tons were imported from various countries including the United States, Australia, Belgium, China, South Korea, France, Italy, and Switzerland to meet the demand of 212,657 tons in the domestic market. Chocolate products make up almost 50% of confectionery sales in Japan, which is the largest sector in the Japanese confectionery market. The top five Japanese chocolate producers are Lotte, Meiji Seika Kaisha, Morinaga & Co., Ezaki Glico, and Mary Chocolate, which all have been taking the issues of sustainability seriously in recent years. However, there is a lot of room for new startups to expand into sustainable chocolate production and distribution and grow in Japan and overseas. Barry Callebaut's 2019 consumer insights research indicates that 72% of Japanese consumers view sustainability as an important factor when buying food and drinks, with 31% considering it "very important" or "extremely important". The study also revealed that over 70% of Japanese consumers associate sustainable chocolate with positive emotions, better quality, reliability, and alignment with their personal values.
Some of the notable chocolate brands that specialized in ethical and sustainable supply chains include Tony’s Chocolonely from the Netherlands, Chocolate Concierge from Malaysia, and Beyond Good from Madagascar. Additionally, there are several organizations that work on promoting more equitable and sustainable practices for chocolate production. The World Cocoa Foundation is an organization that helps cocoa farmers to grow better cocoa and market it effectively, with the aim of ensuring a sustainable cocoa economy and a stable supply of cocoa for the chocolate industry. The foundation is supported by a membership of cocoa and chocolate manufacturers, processors, and supply chain managers from around the world.
In conclusion, the sustainability of the chocolate industry is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. While there have been some positive steps taken by chocolate companies to address environmental and social concerns, there is still much work to be done to ensure a sustainable and equitable industry for all stakeholders. Consumers can play a role in promoting sustainability by choosing chocolate brands that prioritize sustainability and by supporting initiatives that promote fair trade and sustainable practices in the chocolate industry. By making conscious and informed decisions on our consumption, we can show our loved ones that we care about their well-being and also the well-being of the planet too.