Mars announced it has been working with Nature Source Improved Plants (NSIP) in a collaboration to work on enabling its cocoa supple chain to become more sustainable, and continue doing so in future.
The statement said that the global demand for cocoa is expected to grow annually by 5% going forward.
“In the past, increasing demand has been met but increasingly the total acreage under cocoa cultivation. However, this approach has come at a high cost in terms of deforestation and environmental degradation.”
In line with the cocoa for Generations strategy, Mars say that they are committed to future needs of cacao, along with a a 100% sustainable supply chain. Cocoa for Generations sees Mars making step change efforts, leading the way in this project. They invite others to partner with them in a new approach to assist in the future of sustainable cocoa farming and its future.
NSIP projects will be the key to significantly increase genetic potential for cacao, enabling produce to continue through higher quantities needed and natural genetic resources to deliver high performing plant materials.
”NSIP is excited to be providing both its expertise and advanced analytical tools in this collaboration with Mars to develop and offer higher yielding, more resistance and higher quality cacao varieties for the benefit of farmers and consumers worldwide.”