Currently just under half (43 percent) of Mondelēz International’s chocolate brands source cocoa through the company's Cocoa Life program.

Swiss chocolate and cocoa products manufacturer Barry Callebaut has established traceability for a third of its global cocoa volume. 

The Hershey Co. has released action plans against deforestation under the company’s commitments as a founding member of the Cocoa & Forest Initiative. 

Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, along with leading chocolate and cocoa companies, are releasing action plans to end deforestation in the cocoa sector and restore forest areas.

Guittard Chocolate Co., as part of its Cultivate Better sustainability platform, has expanded its flavor quality work in Ghana, Ivory Coast and Indonesia.

The Hershey Co. has announced a new package of environmental initiatives and commitments, including establishing a new comprehensive environmental policy, signing the United Nations Global Compact and joining the Science Based Targets initiative.

Here's what Associate Editor Alyse Thompson is looking forward to in the confectionery industry this year.