A collaboration between Mars and Ofi (Olam Food Ingredients) is seeking to reduce the carbon footprint of the cocoa supply chain.

The five-year strategic collaboration (2025-2029) will help advance climate-smart and regenerative agriculture practices in cocoa production in Ecuador, across Mars and Ofi’s shared cocoa supply chain.

In the first phase, more than 960 farmers across major cocoa growing regions of El Oro, Esmeraldas, Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí and Santo Domingo in Ecuador are expected to implement regenerative agriculture, across more than 9,000 hectares of farmland, an area roughly the size of the Greek island of Santorini. Farmers are transitioning from full-sun monoculture to multistrata agroforestry. By mimicking natural forest ecosystems, these systems boost cocoa production, support microorganisms and pollinators, and create natural barriers against pests and disease.

Farmers will also be equipped with tools to use low carbon fertilizers, improved crop residue management, and biochar applications. Together, these interventions aim to help participating farmers strengthen long term resilience in cocoa farming by enhancing soil health, reducing GHG emissions, increasing carbon removals, and cocoa crop yields.

“True progress on climate requires shared ambition and mutually beneficial value. Having net-zero ambitions validated by SBTi enables a bold framework for Mars and Ofi to invest together in the long term in solutions that are good for cocoa farmers, good for the environment, and good for the future of our supply chain,” said Pedro Amaral, associate director, head of cocoa climate sustainability, Mars.

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