> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://thechocolatelife.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Ending the Cocoa Crisis? | #PodSaveChocolate Ep 146 - URL: https://thechocolatelife.com/ending-the-cocoa-crisis-podsavechocolate-ep-146/ - Published: 2025-08-28T20:24:45.000Z - Updated: 2025-08-29T17:40:42.000Z - Description: Episode 146 of #PodSaveChocolate explores industry responses to the ongoing cocoa crisis. Do any address root causes? (Spoiler Alert: No.) - Author: Clay Gordon - Tags: PodSaveChocolate, Live Stream **When and Where to Watch** 🗓️ The stream airs LIVE at 11:00 ****PDT/MST** (12:00 MDT, 1:00 CDT, 2:00 EDT), on Friday, August 29th, 2025. Links below to watch LIVE and to view the archived episode. Click on this (shareable) link to watch on YouTube. Please subscribe (free!) to the [@PodSaveChocolate YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@podsavechocolate/featured?ref=thechocolatelife.com), like this video, comment, and ****share** this episode to help grow the #PSC community. This ****LINKEDIN** link is shareable. [![CTA Image](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2025/05/LinkedInLogo.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/claygordon%5Fpodsavechocolate-podsavechocolate-lavidacocoa-activity-7366925001939173378-IhLk?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop&rcm=ACoAAAABaLUB44l0lzyoZ9nf9Lg8nfstgzLqxbg) Watch and comment LIVE or view the archived episode on LinkedIn. Join my network on LinkedIn to receive notifications and to refer business to each other. [Watch this episode on LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/claygordon%5Fpodsavechocolate-podsavechocolate-lavidacocoa-activity-7366925001939173378-IhLk?utm%5Fsource=share&utm%5Fmedium=member%5Fdesktop&rcm=ACoAAAABaLUB44l0lzyoZ9nf9Lg8nfstgzLqxbg) This ****FACEBOOK** link is shareable [![CTA Image](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2025/05/FacebookLogo.png)](https://www.facebook.com/share/171KHbDbtQ/) Watch and comment LIVE or view the archived episode on ****TheChocolateLife page** on Facebook (for 30 days, then watch the archive on YouTube). Follow [TheChocolateLife on Facebook ](https://fb.me/thechocolatelife?ref=thechocolatelife.com)to receive notifications and catch up on other content. [Watch this episode on Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/share/171KHbDbtQ/) --- ## **Episode 146 Overview** In a recent episode of #PodSaveChocolate, I took the International Cocoa Initiative to task when they identified the root causes of illegal labor in cocoa and then proposed only monitoring and remediation in response. Those two activities *might* tell us how big the problem is (in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire), but monitoring and remediation are not solutions to the challenges of farmer livelihoods that are reeling from the effects of climate change, aging farms, aging farmers, and regulatory regimes that favor Big Chocolate over smallholder farmers. [ICI Says the Obvious: Disappoints Again | #PodSaveChocolate Ep 140Episode 140 takes a look at a recent report issued by the ICI - “Tackling child labour in cocoa: Results of ICI’s Member Reporting Exercise 2024.” What it says, and why this reporter is unconvinced.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons-246.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/Ep-140-ICI-Report---Featured1920x1080-3.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/ici-says-the-obvious-disappoints-again-podsavechocolate-ep-140/) Since that episode, there has been “news” in my feed on the topic of how big companies are addressing current challenges facing cocoa. I covered some of that reporting in my [August News & AMA episode](https://thechocolatelife.com/august-2025-news-ama-podsavechocolate-ep-141/) (#141)under the heading **“The Future” of the Chocolate Value Chain**. In this episode of #PodSaveChocolate I will be taking a deeper dive into what companies are doing to “solve” the cocoa crisis – and compare that with what I think needs to be done. --- ## **Thesis** The global cocoa supply chain is confronting a systemic crisis, a confluence of climate-driven agricultural collapse, mounting ethical and regulatory pressures, and unprecedented price volatility. This disruption has catalyzed a paradigm shift within the \~$130 billion chocolate industry, transforming the search for cocoa alternatives from a niche sustainability initiative into a strategic imperative for many of the world’s largest food and beverage conglomerates. ### **Cargill** **Cargill** has entered into an exclusive global B2B distribution partnership with Voyage Foods, a direct competitor to Planet A Foods that also produces a cocoa-free “chocolate alternative.” ### **Hershey** **The Hershey Company** has invested in Blue Stripes, a startup focused on upcycling the entire cacao fruit. ### **Lindt & Sprüngli** Planet A Foods has a confirmed collaboration with **Lindt** for its ChoViva product line; there is no evidence of direct investment by Lindt in Planet A Foods. Earlier this year, Lindt joined a seed round for Zurich-based startup Food Brewer, which is exploring methods of cell-culturing cocoa. ### **Mars** [Mars bets on CRISPR to save cocoa from climate chaosMars partners with Pairwise to use CRISPR tech for developing disease- and climate-resilient cacao, aiming to secure future cocoa supply.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-180x180-16.png)ConfectioneryNews.comDonna Eastlake![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/WACRAU3FPFHQNLXOJJQM3RLGJU-1.jpg)](https://www.confectionerynews.com/Article/2025/08/11/mars-partners-with-pairwise-to-use-crispr-for-climate-resilient-cocoa/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) ### **Meiji & Puratos** Have both invested (Puratos via its Sparkalis investment arm) in California-based cocoa cell culture startup California Cultured. ### **Mondelēz International** **Mondelēz**, through its SnackFutures Ventures arm, has invested in Celleste Bio, an Israeli startup developing cell-based (cell-cultured) cocoa. WNWN Food Labs was selected as one of nine startups for the inaugural **Mondelēz International CoLab Tech accelerator**. ### **Nestlé** Based on the reporting below, Nestlé is NOT investing in cocoa alternatives (made via cell culturing, precision fermentation, or some other technique), rather, they are looking to make more with less by using parts of the cacao fruit that are normally considered waste. [Nestlé invents novel cocoa technique amid chocolate crisisNestlé unveils a patented technique to boost chocolate production by using up to 30% more of the cocoa fruit, including pulp and pod husk. As the cocoa sector faces volatility and climate challenges, the innovation aims to improve yield and sustainability while preserving taste.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-180x180-15.png)ConfectioneryNews.comFlora Southey![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/XUBYZXQNXRAMZMTY4LKA3G4ZIA.jpg)](https://www.confectionerynews.com/Article/2025/08/20/nestle-novel-cocoa-technique/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) What [CocoaRadar](https://cocoaradar.com/revolutionising-cocoa-production-how-companies-are-developing-novel-techniques-to-extract-more-from-cocoa-fruit/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) has to say on this story. Nestlé calls this technique “groundbreaking,” but admits they are not the first to explore it. However, they have [patented the process](https://patents.google.com/patent/EP4044822B1/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) (and [here](https://patents.google.com/patent/EP4044821A1/?ref=thechocolatelife.com)). > The present invention seeks to provide methods and products that utilise other portions of the fruit of the theobroma genus plants. These products and methods offer advantages in sustainability. Additionally, the present invention provides processes that allow potential ingredients in said plants to be commercially effective. What is not disclosed in the patents in detail is how harvest and post-harvest processes are changed. From what I can glean, whole pods would need to be delivered to a new type of processing facility capable of performing all of the technical steps required. I have many questions about those changes, who will pay for them, and how they will affect farmer incomes. And this is even before we address the regulatory question – does this new formulation comply with the standards of identity for chocolate in CFR 21.163 here in the US and in the Codex Alimentarius used in other parts of the world. ### **Recipe Changes** [Cocoa shortage reshapes recipes and what counts as chocolateCocoa shortages are forcing brands to rethink recipes and labels. Discover how the industry is responding with sustainable alternatives and legal caution.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-180x180-17.png)ConfectioneryNews.comNicholas Robinson![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/thumbnail/VHWUZVJYBFARNFDDGNXIQC6NJY-1.jpg)](https://www.confectionerynews.com/Article/2025/08/06/cocoa-shortage-forces-chocolate-label-changes/?ref=thechocolatelife.com) ### **EUDR “Negligible Risk” Update** [OJ\_C\_202504524\_EN\_TXTUpdated EUDR guidance on Negligible RiskOJ\_C\_202504524\_EN\_TXT.pdf1 MBdownload-circle](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/files/2025/08/OJ%5FC%5F202504524%5FEN%5FTXT.pdf "Download") **Date of Effect and Application:** The regulation entered into force on **29 June 2023**. Most obligations apply from **30 December 2025** (or **30 June 2026** for small/micro enterprises). Products produced before 29 June 2023 are not subject to EUDR. **Negligible Risk** is defined as “no cause for concern regarding deforestation or illegality after a full risk assessment.” **Due Diligence Requirements:** Operators must “establish and maintain a due diligence system,” and “submit a Due Diligence Statement (DDS) to the EUDR Information System.” **Legality:** Products must be “produced in accordance with the laws of the country of origin, including land use, environmental protection, labor rights, and indigenous rights.” **Transit:** Transit through a low‑risk country does not lower risk; origin of production governs risk. The guidance ties risk classification to *where the commodity was produced* (the plots/geolocations), not the route it takes or the country it passes through. Operators may use simplified due diligence only when they ascertain that ***all*** relevant commodities in the product were produced exclusively in countries or parts classified as low risk --- ### **Questions?** If you have questions or want to comment, you can do so during the episode or, if you are a ChocolateLife member, you can add them in the Comments below at ***any*** time. --- ### **Episode Hashtags and Socials** #Cargill #Hershey #Lindt #Mars #Mondelez #Nestle #EUDR #chocolate #chocolat #specialtychocolate #craftchocolate #beantobarchocolate #cocoa #cacao #cacau #PodSaveChoc #PSC #LaVidaCocoa #TheChocolateLife --- ### **Future Episodes** 🗓️ None scheduled at the time this was published. --- ### **#PodSaveChocolate and #TheChocolateLifeLIVE Archives** **To read an archived post** and find the links to watch archived episodes, click on one of the bookmark cards, below. [Pod Save Chocolate Calendar and ArchiveNews, views, and conversations on topics in cocoa and chocolate streamed live to YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook. #PodSaveChocolate!![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2020/12/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2023/11/TagImageBanner-PodSaveChocTagFinal_1920x1080-5.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/pod-save-chocolate-calendar-and-archive/) [#TheChocolateLifeLIVE ArchiveNews, views, and conversations on topics in cocoa and chocolate streamed live to YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook.![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2020/12/JR_Pods60x60FavIconCutoutButtons.png)The Chocolate LifeClay Gordon![](https://thechocolatelife.com/content/images/2023/03/solen-feyissa-WG7v_wYZW4Q-unsplash-CalendarFeatured1920x1080.jpg)](https://thechocolatelife.com/thechocolatelife-live-calendar/) [PodSaveChocolateHosted by Clay Gordon, the creator and moderator of TheChocolateLife.com, #PodSaveChocolate covers a wide variety of topics in the worlds of cocoa and chocolate. The video versions of this podcast are hosted and archived on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Click on the PodSaveChocolate link in the top nav on TheChocolateLife for the links to the post accompanying each episode.![](https://pnc.st/static/img/256x256.png)Pinecast![](https://social.pinecast.net/preview_card/podcasts/covers/d3730dca-0711-4720-9ef3-3b18918c1f0d/TagImageBanner-PodSaveChocTagFinal_1920x1080.jpg?title=PodSaveChocolate)](https://pnc.st/s/podsavechocolate?ref=thechocolatelife.com) Audio-only podcasts --- ## Not a Member? Live The Chocolate Life – Live La Vida Cocoa! Sign up for Free to comment and receive members-only content. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. 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