Dah Oho cuts a yellow cocoa pod from a cocoa tree

Sustainability pathways with Fairtrade: webinar explores how cocoa businesses can unlock equality and climate resilience with fairer incomes

  • Webinar is part of Fairtrade’s global cocoa campaign encouraging businesses to engage with sustainability while creating positive brand impact

Confectionery company Tony’s Chocolonely, international discount retailer Lidl and Fairtrade Africa are among panellists on a special cocoa webinar co-hosted by Fairtrade and Sustainable Brands, which aims to encourage businesses to engage with sustainability while creating positive impact for their brand.

The companies have long standing relationships with Fairtrade and will share live examples of their individual sustainability journeys and the impact achieved for cocoa farmers through their partnership.

Taking place on November 3, the one-hour session will be packed with tips on how to build credibility, trust and value for businesses starting their sustainability journey. They’ll learn how industry peers are tackling some of the challenges in cocoa, through the lens of three major issues – equality, the climate crisis and income security.

Delegates will also hear about Fairtrade’s consumer pull, and how it can support businesses to meet their sustainability goals through a combination of certification and licensing, and communications tools.

Meanwhile, representing cocoa farmers, Fairtrade Africa’s Anne Marie Yao known in cocoa-growing communities as ‘Mama Cocoa’ will share perspectives on equality from the west African cocoa fields. She will also explain the impact of a growing number of businesses choosing Fairtrade certified cocoa.

The free webinar will take place on Wednesday November 3 in partnership with Sustainable Brands.

Panellist Cécile Henrard, Senior Business Development Manager, Fairtrade Belgium said: “Most of us love a bar of really good quality chocolate. But how do we know if behind that critical raw ingredient – cocoa – the wellbeing of people and planet are held to equally high standards?

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn directly from senior industry leaders, including two of Fairtrade’s most innovative global commercial partners and experts.”

The full line up of speakers will include:

  • Philippe Weiler, CSR Manager, Lidl Belux
  • Paul Schoenmakers, Head of Impact, Tony’s Chocolonely
  • Anne-Marie Yao, Regional Cocoa Manager, Fairtrade Africa
  • Cécile Henrard, Senior Business Development Manager, Fairtrade Belgium

Moderated by Etienne White, Sustainable Brands

The webinar will take place on Wednesday 3 November at 15.30 GMT: register online.

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For further information contact Martine Parry: martine.parry@fairtrade.org.uk