As consumers become increasingly conscious of the impact of their purchases, ethical considerations are moving to the forefront of their decision-making process. One company that has been making strides in addressing these concerns is The Hershey Company.
Renowned for its iconic chocolate treats, Hershey’s has been on a journey towards ethically sourced cocoa, aiming to transform the chocolate industry’s supply chain and promote positive change within cocoa-producing communities. But the question remains: Is Hershey’s chocolate truly ethically sourced?
From Certification to Commitment
Hershey’s journey towards ethical sourcing can be traced back to its commitment to sourcing 100% certified and sustainable cocoa by 2020. This milestone marked the company’s initial stride towards making a difference in the lives of cocoa farmers and communities. However, Hershey’s ethical journey did not stop there. The company has expanded its efforts through its Cocoa For Good program, which pledges to achieve 100% direct-sourced cocoa from high-risk areas by 2025, encompassing all cocoa sourced from Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana.
Persistent Child Labor Concerns
Child labour remains a pervasive issue in the cocoa industry, particularly in regions like West Africa. Despite growing awareness and international pressure to eradicate child labour from the cocoa supply chain, Hershey’s has not completely eliminated child labour. The company’s efforts in this regard have unfortunately fallen short, with limited visible impact.
Empowering Farmers and Communities
Hershey’s ethical sourcing strategy extends beyond mere certification labels. The company’s focus on improving farmer incomes and eradicating child labour showcases its dedication to fostering positive change at the grassroots level. Through investments in farmer training, productivity enhancement, and initiatives like the Child Labor Monitoring and Remediation Systems, Hershey’s aims to uplift cocoa farmers and communities, helping them break the cycle of poverty that often drives labour issues.
Conclusion: A Long Way to Go
In conclusion, Hershey’s chocolate cannot be considered ethically sourced at this time. While the company has taken some steps in the right direction, such as commitments to sustainable sourcing by 2020 and the Cocoa For Good program, these efforts have not yielded the level of change needed to meet the ethical standards expected by today’s consumers.
The chocolate industry, as a whole, faces significant challenges in achieving ethical sourcing. However, other companies have made more substantial progress in addressing these challenges, leaving Hershey’s trailing behind in the race toward truly ethical sourcing. Until Hershey’s demonstrates a more robust commitment to transparency, labour rights, and environmental responsibility, consumers seeking ethically sourced chocolate may want to consider alternative brands that have made more significant strides in this complex and critical area.
All images in this article are courtesy of respective owners.
