Publication | Rethinking procurement models in the cocoa sector: recommendations for more inclusive business models

Without a good and profitable business model that works for everyone, and especially smallholder farmers and buyers, sustainable cocoa initiatives are unlikely to be scaled up. As such, inclusive business relationships involving buyers, processors and producers can be a powerful enabling factor in the transition towards sustainable food systems.

That is why we are excited to launch "Rethinking procurement models in the cocoa sector: recommendations for more inclusive business models". In this publication, we assess the extent to which the business models we support in our sustainable cocoa programme in Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America align with the principles of inclusivity and equity with reference to CIAT's LINK methodology, the Voice Network's Good Purchasing Practices and Beyond Chocolate's Roadmap for Belgian Chocolate Makers.

We particularly looked at how a range of practices, such as pricing, risk sharing and interventions that support cocoa production, access to finance, data collection, women, youth, joint innovation and transparency, contribute to addressing existing inequalities in the cocoa sector.

Besides identifying insights that help us refine our own strategies, we have also identified high-potential best practices for private sector companies and for service providers like Rikolto to enhance their efforts to foster more inclusive and equitable business models.