The Cocoa Industry's Challenges: Sustainability, Fairness, and the Future of Hot Chocolate

At Blendsmiths, we’ve always been passionate about crafting premium drinks. The very first drink we created was our Original Chocolate, which makes our ever-expanding hot chocolate drinks range especially close to my heart. My passion for hot chocolate has always been rooted in a deep appreciation for cocoa—its rich history, its distinctive flavour, the meticulous work of farmers, and the livelihoods it sustains.

I often reflect on the journey of cocoa—from the hands of dedicated farmers to the comforting cup of hot chocolate we enjoy. Behind every sip lies the dedication and resilience of the people who cultivate this precious crop. Today, however, the cocoa industry faces unprecedented challenges, making it vital to acknowledge the burden carried by farmers and the entire supply chain.

As we settle into 2025, I wanted to address some of the pressing issues facing the cocoa industry and share how Blendsmiths, as thought leaders and innovators in the drinks industry, is playing its part.

The Impact of Climate Change on Cocoa Farming

For cocoa farmers, climate change isn’t a distant threat; it’s a daily reality. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and prolonged dry seasons are making it increasingly difficult to grow cocoa. The delicate balance of conditions that cocoa trees require is becoming harder to achieve, putting livelihoods at risk.

These challenges lead to low crop yields and uncertainty around crop quality—often leaving families who work tirelessly to sustain their farms heartbroken. Having been passed down through generations, the loss is even more painful to bear.

At Blendsmiths, we believe in and support initiatives that equip farmers with tools and knowledge to adapt to these changes. From training in climate-resilient farming practices to supporting shade-grown cocoa, we are committed to helping farmers weather the storm.

Fighting for Economic Equality in the Cocoa Industry

Despite billions being generated by the global chocolate industry, many cocoa farmers live in poverty. Fluctuating cocoa prices, high production costs, and limited access to resources make every harvest a gamble for smallholder farmers.

We must ask ourselves: how can we truly enjoy hot chocolate drinks without acknowledging the inequalities in its production?

At Blendsmiths, we’ve partnered with suppliers who prioritise ethical sourcing. By ensuring farmers receive fair compensation for their hard work, we aim to foster a system where farming communities can thrive, not just survive.

Tackling Deforestation and Environmental Pressures

The pressure to increase cocoa yields has driven some farmers to clear forests to plant more trees. While this may yield short-term benefits, it comes at a long-term cost—contributing to soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and worsening climate change—further threatening the sustainability of farming.

This is a systemic issue, not an individual failing. Many farmers face limited resources and are forced to choose between immediate survival and sustainable practices.

Our role at Blendsmiths is to support agroforestry systems that integrate cocoa farming with environmental conservation. By sourcing from suppliers who implement zero-deforestation practices and promoting education about sustainable farming, we aim to help farmers achieve a balance between productivity and sustainability, and hope to lighten this burden.

The Human Cost of Cocoa

The issue of child labour in cocoa farming is a stark reminder of the deep-rooted inequalities in the supply chain. Many families, unable to afford basic necessities, rely on their children to work alongside them on the farms.

As heartbreaking as these realities are, we must resist the temptation to assign blame solely to farmers. Instead, we must focus on addressing the systemic poverty that makes these choices unavoidable.

At Blendsmiths, we work only with suppliers who uphold strict labour standards and traceability measures. Additionally, we support programmes that provide education and alternative income sources for farming families, helping to break the cycle of poverty. This is an aspect of our sourcing that we hold very close to our hearts.

Looking Ahead: Ethical Choices for a Sustainable Future

I am sure you will agree, the current challenges facing the cocoa industry cannot be ignored. Coupled with all these challenges, the demand for chocolate products (particularly in Asia) has never been higher and we are in a period where demand is outstripping supply. 

This unwavering demand for chocolate has sent the price of cocoa to unprecedented levels, with prices rising by over 325% in the last eighteen months. It leaves anyone in the cocoa supply chain vulnerable and in an unenviable predicament of either compromising the product they produce or paying higher prices. 

At Blendsmiths, this is an easy decision, we will never compromise our principles and in turn the quality of the ingredients we source. This does come at a cost; however, it is a cost worth paying to ensure our supply chain is funded and we can deliver a product that maintains the same quality as the day we started the business.

Consumers are more educated than ever before, and they have a role to play as well. By choosing hot chocolate and chocolate products from ethical, transparent brands, you help create a better future for cocoa farmers and their families. Let’s make every cup of hot chocolate a symbol of solidarity, respect, and hope for the industry we all cherish.

The cocoa industry’s challenges are daunting, but they are not insurmountable. The solutions require collaboration, compassion, and a shared commitment to fairness and sustainability, which are all values we promote within Blendsmiths. Every step we take, whether it’s paying a fair price for cocoa, promoting ethical labour practices, or funding climate-resilient farming initiatives—is about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the people who make our business possible.