03 de May 2021 | Cocoa
The largest sustainable cocoa farm in Asia
Mondelez and Olam join the Sustainability approach to meet the growing demand. The project will revitalize Indonesia to harness its potential as a producer country.
While the demand for cocoa increases around Asia, the future of the market for cocoa grown under quality and sustainability standards is positive. Many believe that Asia will soon become the second largest consumer of cocoa-based products. In this case, for this continent it is commercially reasonable; be able to supply your industry with its own raw material. For this reason, two of the giants of the chocolate industry: Olam and Modelez; have teamed up to build a state-of-the-art sustainable cocoa farm on the island of Seram in Indonesia.
The location is an interesting choice, since it is a remote island that at first impression does not come to mind as a candidate. However, both companies have been active in Indonesia for some years, and in the joint announcement, they explain that half of the jobs they created have been filled by a significant population of women; who are typically unrepresentative.
The companies have active sustainability programs, to which this project could contribute. For one thing, Mondelez has its Cocoa Life Program and Olam has the Cocoa Compass.
Although Indonesia is the third largest cocoa producer in the world, the country has never reached its full potential, as its production is threatened by farmers who gradually age without having a young replacement for their work, also by trees that are in poor condition due to lack of maintenance. Thanks to the initiative of both companies, this situation could change.
The 2,000 hectare farm will use climate-smart technology and science on plant species to optimize everything; from irrigation to soil measurements. The current property was deforested and will be replenished with a mix of cacao, fruit and shade trees to boost biodiversity in the area. So far, more than 1080 hectares have been planted.
This new project is expected to remain faithful to its sustainability approach in environmental and human rights terms. If all goes well, this project in Indonesia could lay the groundwork for other major players in the sector to join the sustainability approach.
A huge market is filtering through Asia, and the demand for cocoa tends to increase in the coming decades.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Nick Baskett. (April 27, 2021). Mondelez and Olam Food join forces to create the largest sustainable cocoa farm. Bar Talks. Available at https://bartalks.net/mondelez-and-olam-foods-join-forces-to-create-largest-sustainable-cocoa-farm/
Adapted by the Peruvian Chamber of Coffee and Cocoa