Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire have agreed to institute a per-tonne “living income differential” as part of a new payment structure designed to fortify incomes of the countries’ cocoa producers.

A panel highlighting the launch of a Lutheran World Relief initiative designed to assist small-scale cocoa and coffee farmers in Latin America is set for the Fine Chocolate Industry Association’s (FCIA) “Elevate Chocolate” event next month.

Barry Callebaut and Cameroon are intensifying their cooperation toward sustainable cocoa farming by supporting the next generation of cocoa farmers.

African investor and product developer AgDevCo has invested in Tradin Organic to source organic cocoa directly from certified small-holder farmers in Sierra Leone, linking them to manufacturers in Europe, the U.S. and Asia.

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

More than three-quarters (77 percent) of Nestlé’s agricultural commodities are verified as deforestation-free, the company announced Tuesday.

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. 

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