GODIVA, the premium chocolatier has made its commitment to the Cocoa and Forest Initiative (CFI) which is an initiative by the World Cocoa Foundation to protect forests and the rights of people linked with growing and harvesting the cocoa used in chocolate products.
The CFI is led by the governments of Ghana and Ivory Coast – the two biggest cocoa producing countries in the world, along with many leading cocoa and chocolate companies, including GODIVA. CFI’s aim is to end deforestation and restore forest areas.
In the next six months, they will draft and publish a cocoa position statement and improve traceability. The position statement will help them clearly communicate its commitment and expectations related to sustainable cocoa. Traceability work will then provide a holistic view of where all cocoa in GODIVA products comes from; so that a comprehensive approach can be taken to address environmental or social issues in its supply chain. This work will be the foundation for GODIVA to support industry transformation. Additionally, GODIVA is supporting an Earthworm Foundation Rurality project in Soubré, a key cocoa producing region Ivory Coast.
Annie Young-Scrivner, CEO, said, “GODIVA is dedicated to our vision for a sustainable and thriving cocoa industry where farmers prosper, communities are empowered, human rights are respected, and the environment is conserved.”
Women empowerment
Nearly 1,000 years ago, the chocolatier’s namesake, Lady GODIVA, showed the world what it meant to be brave when she protested the unfair taxation of her citizens by riding through the streets of Coventry, England naked on horseback (which is the brand’s logo now). In that powerful act, she stood up for what she believed in, and gave a voice to the voiceless. Her legacy is grounded in strength, boldness, and doing what’s right for her community.
Now, the company is taking even more action to honour Lady GODIVA with the launch of The Lady GODIVA Initiative, which recognises and rewards non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that work to empower women in our communities. Beginning in 2020, they will select five organisations on an annual basis one in the US, Canada, Belgium, England, and China – that will each receive a US$ 25,000 grant to continue their inspirational work.
Also read: Organic Valley taking the right steps to Carbon Neutrality
