Tony’s Chocolonely, impact-driven chocolate company known for bold flavours, vibrant packaging and "unequally divided" bars, today reveals it has made record progress in its mission to improve the global cocoa industry with the publication of its Annual Fair Report.
Despite the challenging context of rising cocoa prices, the company’s commitment to transparency, fair sourcing, and improving the lives of cocoa farmers is making great strides. Tony’s Chocolonely Annual Fair Report highlights an impressive 71% Y-O-Y growth in cocoa bean volume, which directly results in tangible impact across its supply chain. The report shows a continuous reduction in child labour cases at its long-term partner cooperatives, with rates now standing at less than 4%, ten times better than the industry average of 47%.
Report findings coincide with “Fairbruary”, Fairtrade Ireland’s rally cry to Irish consumers to buy Fairtrade for the month of February. Tony’s Chocolonely has proudly held the Fairtrade certification in Ireland since 2019. But Tony’s doesn't stop there, it has developed its own 5 Sourcing Principles, namely; traceability, higher prices, long-term commitments, strong farmer partnerships, and enhanced quality and productivity.
The report reveals that 20,296 farmers across Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire are now receiving living income pricing for all cocoa sold through Tony’s Open Chain, a 14.4% increase on the previous year. Tony’s Open Chain is a collaborative sourcing initiative designed to protect farmers which is guided by the 5 Sourcing Principles... Now, that’s real impact!
Commenting on the report findings, Douglas Lamont, Chief Chocolonely, said: “This year has undoubtedly presented significant challenges to the industry with rising cocoa prices. In spite of that, Tony's Chocolonely is growing and our impact on the ground in West Africa is growing too. Our report this year is more evidence that our 5 Sourcing Principles model can work at scale and deliver step-change long-term benefits to cocoa farmers and their families, not least in creating a pathway to structurally eradicate child labor from the cocoa value chain.”
When asked about Tony’s Open Chain he continued: “Whilst Tony's Chocolonely has grown rapidly, our cocoa volumes have grown even faster. We've welcomed many new partners, our Mission Allies, who have chosen to source their cocoa through Tony’s Open Chain, including some of the fastest-growing chocolate brands and household-name grocers.”
Commenting on Tony’s Annual Fair Report, Peter Gaynor, Executive Director from Fairtrade Ireland added: “We have long admired the work of Tony’s Chocolonely. The report findings show their continued commitment to improving the lives of farmers and eliminating injustice from the supply chain. Its publication coincides with our Fairbruary campaign, which launches today, 4th Feb, online, and we encourage shoppers to pick up some Fairtrade products in their next shop. Opting for a bar of Tony’s Chocolonely is a great place to start.”
Thinking of buying Fairtrade for Fairbruary? Or thinking of gifting chocolates this Valentine’s Day? Why not opt for choco with a conscience. Tony’s Chocolonely has diverse and tasty chocolate treats, delivering indulgence with impact, with beloved colourful Bars (RRP €4.50) and snackable and shareable Littl’ Bits (RRP €3.49). Irish shoppers can find Tony’s stocked in Tesco, Supervalu and Centra plus smaller independent retailers ensuring they never have to compromise on ethics when purchasing a delicious chocolate treat.
To read the full report visit Tony's Chocolonely Annual FAIR Report 2023/2024 and for more information visit www.tonyschocolonely.com/
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