Tackling child labour in cocoa production

The use of child labour in cocoa farming continues despite the efforts of the chocolate industry. Indeed, some campaigners would argue that manufacturers have done too little, too slowly. Now, Nestle has launched a programme outside the industry initiatives to try to tackle the problem.

Sustainability Watch – Child labour in cocoa production

14 December 2011

Nestle's plan to partner with the Fair Labor Association in investigating the use of child labour in its cocoa supply chain could raise the bar in terms of corporate accountability regarding this long-running problem. Ben Cooper reports.

Focus: Nestle takes new tack to curb child labour in cocoa

1 December 2011

A decade of industry efforts to curb the use of child labour in cocoa farming has made progress - but the pace of change has angered campaigners. Nestle this week announced a new plan to try to tackle the issue and, while the Swiss food giant insists it is committed to the existing initiatives, it appears the company wants to take control of its own fortunes in this area. Ben Cooper reports.

SWITZ/COTE D'IVOIRE: Charity welcomes Nestle child labour probe

28 November 2011

A body that campaigns against human trafficking has welcomed Nestlé's investigation into whether cocoa farms that supply its factories use child labour.

Comment: Hershey faces glare of NGO spotlight

14 September 2010

It was supposed to be a day when Hershey, the US chocolate maker, was to demonstrate its commitment to all things CSR.

Cocoa industry looks to meet ethical challenge

9 July 2008

This month marks an important stage in efforts by the international cocoa industry to tackle child and forced labour in its supply chain. Ben Cooper reports on the progress towards meeting undertakings made under the Harkin-Engel Protocol and the work of the International Cocoa Initiative, a multi-stakeholder partnership initiated under the Protocol and working on the ground in Ghana and Ivory Coast.