Empowering cocoa farmers toward business success
A partnership between Blommer Chocolate Company, ofi, and cocoa farming communities
A partnership between Blommer Chocolate Company, ofi, and cocoa farming communities
Côte d’Ivoire
The West African nation of Cote d’Ivoire produces more cocoa than any other country, supplying more than one-third of the world’s cocoa. GrowCocoa is supporting farmer cooperatives (coops) throughout the country with training programs that enhance good agricultural practices. The training allows cocoa farmers to maintain quality and increase yield. Grow Cocoa also provides additional support to improve health and education in those cocoa growing communities.
From rural health centers and schools to cooperative warehouses and stores, we recognize and value that communities are our greatest asset.
From improved access to finance, inputs and seedlings to capacity building and the independence to operate in the global marketplace, we value the men and women with whom we strive to create shared value.
From encouraging responsible labor practices and the reduction of our overall environmental footprint to the introduction of solar dryers and quality premiums, we seek to ensure that farmers and farming communities are equipped with the tools to succeed.
From improved access to finance, inputs and seedlings to capacity building and the independence to operate in the global marketplace, we value the men and women with whom we strive to create shared value.
Formalized in 2012, GrowCocoa underscores the shared sustainability commitments of Blommer Chocolate Company, the largest cocoa processor and ingredient chocolate supplier in North America, and Olam International, a global integrated supply chain manager of agricultural products and food ingredients. GrowCocoa’s formation ensures the Blommer and Olam vision that through collaboration with communities, local and national governments and industry leaders, the strongest and most comprehensive sustainability programs are realized.
Independently operated and headquartered in Washington DC, our presence brings us closer to those who share our partners’ vision to strengthen cocoa-producing communities through inclusive alliances and innovative approaches.
Olam’s expansive origin networks and access to farmer associations teamed with Blommer’s strong customer relationships and reputation as a leading processor allows us to form new partnerships, develop new programs and expand our reach to meet the evolving needs of farmers and communities.
The two first partnered in Indonesia in 2004 to increase cocoa yields within a community of 2,000 farmers. Today, that network exceeds 15,100 farmers. This success in Indonesia is mirrored in Côte d’Ivoire: beginning with 6 cooperatives and 2,400 farmers, the Blommer-Olam partnership has grown to include 87 cooperatives and over 26,800 farmers in just 7 years.
Since teaming, the shared investment of >$25 million has elevated farmer profiles, improved market access and independence and resulted in 35 Rainforest Alliance and 3 UTZ certifications for farmer associations across Côte d’Ivoire and Indonesia.
Farming communities benefit from our shared resources and infrastructure, our experienced and dedicated field teams, focused social programming, and deep engagement.
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