Mars cocoa sourcing hits 98% responsible, misses 2025 goal

· Agriculture & Food

Mars said its suppliers sourced 98% of its cocoa through a responsible sourcing program last year, falling short of its 2025 goal. The candy maker has been among the largest corporate buyers pushing to clean up cocoa supply chains, which have long been linked to deforestation and child labor in West Africa. The shortfall highlights how difficult it remains for major chocolate companies to fully trace and certify their cocoa. It also underscores the persistent gap between corporate sustainability targets and on-the-ground sourcing realities.

Why it matters：Cocoa traceability is a defining challenge for global chocolate makers, and Mars missing its target shows how far the industry still is from verified sustainable supply chains.

Key points

  • 98% of Mars cocoa came through a responsible sourcing program last year.
  • The result fell short of the company's 2025 goal.
  • Cocoa supply chains face scrutiny over deforestation and child labor.

Sources (original reporting)

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