PLANET

Believe it or not, the cocoa tree has friends. It has the teak tree for protection from wind and fire. It has a range of plants to keep its soil rich and fertile. But its best friend is the banana tree.  

The banana tree stays with the cocoa tree throughout its life. It offers shade in the early months. It feeds the hungry farmers and their families while they nurture the crops. And its leaves are even used to cradle the harvested beans.  

Understanding these unique natural relationships is a crucial aspect of farming. And why certain beans make such good chocolate – because they’ve grown up with the shelter and support they need to prosper.

FACTS & STATS:

• The banana tree shades juvenile cocoa trees and provides food and a source of income before the cocoa tree produces fruit. When the cocoa tree gives fruit, the banana leaves can be used in the fermentation process.
• The cocoa tree is helped by a range of plants: the banana tree for low shade, the teak tree for protection from wind and forest fires and other leguminous food crops to keep the soil rich.
• Peanuts help to enrich the soil and provide a source of protein, oil and income for farmers. Corn can be another source of income and nutrition.  

COCOA HORIZONS ACTIVITIES:

• Training farmers on good agricultural practices and agroforestry, where native and fruit trees are integrated on the cocoa farm increasing tree longevity, soil fertility and biodiversity.

For us, being responsible starts with protecting the environment and the people behind the source of our cocoa. And by choosing our chocolate, you’re part of this solution too.

It means you are making a positive impact on the world through the choice of what you buy. You’re contributing to increasing biodiversity on farms and ensuring our ingredients are deforestation-free. We’re working with our partners to use more and more renewable energy in our production. We’re also trying to ensure that farmers can better mitigate impacts from climate change, improve the quality of soil, and therefore the quality of cocoa.

We’re doing things the right way, and you’re enabling that to happen. So don’t just enjoy your chocolate; take pride in your choice.