We believe that collaboration and partnership are key to lasting change. That’s why Cocoa Life is built on collaboration with farming communities, cocoa farming organizations, supply chain partners, non-government organizations, governments and external advisors to co-create new solutions and help make transformational impact.
We partner with NGOs that have extensive experience working with cocoa communities to develop local action plans and with cocoa suppliers that have on-the-ground expertise, as well as government authorities to promote more sustainable practices and assess where we can align with national strategies.
Day-to-day, the program is carried out by functional experts and teams in cocoa producing countries, as well as professionals from procurement, research and development, finance and ethics & compliance.
MULTI-STAKEHOLDER COLLABORATION
We are founding members and on the board of the following platforms:
The International Cocoa Initiative (ICI) is a non-profit foundation that works to ensure a better future for children in cocoa-growing communities. It is a multi-stakeholder partnership advancing the elimination of child labour and forced labour, by uniting the forces of the cocoa and chocolate industry, civil society, farming communities, governments, international organizations and donors.
The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) is an international membership organization whose members span the entire global cocoa and chocolate sector, including farmer cooperatives, cocoa processors, chocolate manufacturers, supply chain companies and other companies worldwide. WCF’s vision is to be a catalyst for a thriving and equitable cocoa sector that is collaborating to improve farmer income, reverse deforestation, and combat child labor.
COCOA LIFE’S EXTERNAL ADVISORY COUNCIL
We also partner with sustainability experts from prominent environmental and human rights organizations whose expertise and outside perspective help us develop the Cocoa Life strategy and scale up the program.
Our External Advisory Council provides strategic advice on the program direction, challenges us, functions as a sounding board and helps identify opportunities for innovative partnerships. In 2023 we launched our new External Advisory Council. The council consists of our external advisors and MDLZ senior leadership representatives. It is chaired by an external advisor on a rotational basis.
"I am pleased to continue with Cocoa Life’s External Advisory Council for its next phase. I look forward to sharing my experience to help Cocoa Life tackle deforestation in the cocoa sector. With over 90% of deforestation due to agricultural expansion over the last 20 years, companies need to step up their efforts with such initiatives that take a systemic approach to change. My hope is that this advisory council provides a unique opportunity to challenge Mondelēz International, provides strategic guidance, and helps it take leadership in this vital arena."
Andrew Bovarnick, Global Head, UNDP Food & Agricultural Commodity Systems
"As a member of the advisory council for the Cocoa Life program, I am thrilled to contribute to a transformative initiative that not only supports sustainable cocoa farming but also empowers communities. I am passionate about sustainable agriculture and believe that Cocoa Life can be a model for how food companies can create a more sustainable future in the cocoa sector."
Lilian Mramba, Chief Investment Officer, Grassroots Business Fund
This page was updated in June 2025.