The World’s Biggest Chocolate Makers Failing to Improve Pay for Cocoa Farmers in Ghana

Oxfam Report Highlights Discrepancy in Profits and Wages

The world’s biggest chocolate makers are failing on promises to improve pay for farmers in major cocoa producer Ghana despite strong profits, charity Oxfam said in a report on Thursday. It said earnings for US companies Hershey, Mars and Mondelez in addition to Italy’s Ferrero and Swiss peers Lindt & Spruengli and Nestle had increased since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, a period when inflation has soared.

At the same time, an Oxfam survey of more than 400 cocoa farmers in Ghana — the second-…

Impact on Individuals

As a consumer of chocolate products, the failure of these major chocolate makers to improve pay for cocoa farmers in Ghana may leave a bitter taste in your mouth. Knowing that the farmers who cultivate the cocoa beans for your favorite treats are not receiving fair compensation for their labor can lead to feelings of guilt and a desire for change in the industry.

Global Ramifications

On a larger scale, the repercussions of this discrepancy in profits and wages for cocoa farmers in Ghana can have far-reaching effects on the global cocoa industry. If major chocolate makers continue to prioritize their own profits over the well-being of the farmers who supply them with cocoa beans, it could lead to a destabilization of the cocoa supply chain and ultimately impact the availability and affordability of chocolate products worldwide.

In conclusion, the failure of the world’s biggest chocolate makers to improve pay for cocoa farmers in Ghana is a troubling trend that highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in the cocoa industry. Consumers have the power to demand change by supporting companies that prioritize fair wages and ethical sourcing practices, ultimately creating a more sustainable and equitable cocoa supply chain for all stakeholders involved.