There’s a story behind every block of chocolate, and it begins long before the wrapper is opened.

For New Zealand’s beloved Whittaker’s, the story starts 16,500km away in Ghana, where the family-owned chocolatier has been sourcing its cocoa for decades – but the relationship is built on far more than just beans.

As climate change, sustainability concerns, and supply pressures reshape the global chocolate industry, Whittaker’s is working directly with four Ghanaian co-operatives representing more than 4000 farmers to help safeguard the future of cocoa farming – and the livelihoods that depend on it.

Through these partnerships, Whittaker’s is funding critical infrastructure and long-term solutions to promote sustainable cocoa production, protect and restore forests, and support farming communities. From providing training and potable water to planting thousands of shade trees, Whittaker’s is not only investing in a more resilient supply chain, but also in farmers’ futures.

“We thought we could impact the farmers’ lives, which is critical to the longevity of our supply chain. A lot of the farmers live in very remote areas; they don’t have access to really basic needs that we would take for granted,” says Michael Tannenbaum, Whittaker’s Head of Procurement.

“By working with suppliers on the ground, we get to hear firsthand how we can help them and their families, how we can keep cocoa trees growing, and what farmers really need to build a better life.”

To future-proof cocoa farming, moving towards sustainable and responsible production – and reducing deforestation – is crucial.

In 2024, the four co-operatives successfully geo-mapped all 6563 farms under their management. The data obtained from farm mapping was a critical step towards monitoring, reducing, and preventing further conversion of forests for cocoa production.

As a result, 100% of Whittaker’s cocoa is traceable – guaranteeing that no purchases originate from national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, or reserves, and no farming has taken place on deforested land. This gives consumers a clear picture of exactly where their chocolate comes from, says Tannenbaum.

One of the most important outcomes of the partnership, however, is the planting of more than 170,000 shade trees across 2000 hectares.

Cocoa trees are small, shade-loving crops that are vulnerable to extreme weather, whether it be heavy rainfall or harsh sunlight. Shade trees provide critical protection, boosting the cocoa plants’ longevity and yield.

“Planting shade trees produces an umbrella-like canopy that ensures the cocoa trees aren’t exposed to the hot sun or flooded with water,” Tannenbaum explains.

“Without the correct shade, a cocoa tree will probably produce cocoa for up to 25 years; with the right amount of shade, it can produce for up to 40 years.”

Distributing the seedlings also promotes forest restoration and expansion, provides critical habitat for wildlife, and contributes to carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation, with more trees to be planted across additional farms over the coming years, he adds.

Future-proofing their farming communities also includes investing in education. To promote financial stability among farmers, Whittaker’s has helped establish 15 new Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs).

The VSLAs provide farmers with crucial training, teaching them the importance of good financial management practices, savings, and investments to help improve their financial literacy, and increase and diversify their incomes moving forward.

“As we’ve seen over recent years, cocoa prices can go up and down. That’s a real financial impact to the farmer. We want them to be financially stable and not just rely on the cocoa price in itself,” says Tannenbaum.

“Schooling is another focus for us – some of these farms are remote, so children were travelling long distances on dirt roads. We do anything we can to keep it localised, so that’s one impact we’ve been able to make.”

Of course, clean water is the bedrock of a healthy, thriving community. Three communities now have access to potable water, with plans to extend that supply to a further two.

“We know one of the most basic fundamentals for human life is fresh, clean water. Some of these farms were sending children to go and collect water; as they’re located inland, children aren’t taught how to swim, and they can fall into the watering holes. This can cause serious harm,” Tannenbaum explains.

“Providing fresh water locally that is safe to collect is probably the biggest impact we could offer our farms.”

Ultimately, Whittaker’s is committed to supporting its communities and suppliers, ensuring its good, honest chocolate remains ethically and fairly produced for years to come.

“We’re doing this because it’s the right thing to do. We’re not looking after ‘the now’; we’re looking after the generations to come. They need to have these basic requirements met so that can happen,” says Tannenbaum.

“This isn’t the end; this is just the start.”

More information on Whittaker’s Cocoa and Forests Initiative Action Plan is available on their website.