DLNews JTFMax:

As the holiday season indulges in festive treats, a bitter truth surfaces about cocoa sourcing in Nigeria. In a shocking revelation, illegally grown cocoa from the lush Nigerian rainforest, home to 1.4 million cocoa farmers, is making its way into the supply chains of significant chocolate makers. The Omo Reserve, meant to protect wildlife, faces intensified deforestation due to aging cocoa trees forcing farmers into these protected areas.

Despite pledges from leading cocoa buyers to end deforestation in their supply chains by 2024, the impact remains to be determined in Nigeria, a major European exporter. Investigative reports suggest that some chocolate companies need to implement their sustainability programs. Compliance duties passed onto suppliers, and reliance on third-party auditing create loopholes, allowing illegally cleared land cocoa to enter the supply chain.

Even Rainforest Alliance-certified companies operating in Nigeria are accused of overlooking illegal practices. Bags from farmers in the Omo conservation zone are observed being taken outside its boundaries for warehousing, violating sustainability commitments.

Government authorities, reluctant to evict cocoa growers from reserves, fear disruption of income and the need for relocation funds. Despite orders against expansion into protected areas, new farm sites continue to emerge. Cocoa, a significant export from Nigeria, contributes to massive deforestation, raising concerns as forests shrink from 25% to less than 4% in West Africa.

Amidst this environmental crisis, the EU and West African countries aim to enforce sustainability standards in chocolate production by 2024. However, experts question progress, highlighting the industry's inadequacies in addressing aging trees and China's rising chocolate demand.

With the EU mandating deforestation-free products for the region, large chocolate manufacturers are under pressure. As consumers increasingly demand sustainably sourced ingredients, the chocolate industry faces a wake-up call. The holiday cheer might come with a side of awareness as consumers rethink their choices, ordering chocolates that are not just sweet but also ethically sourced.