Green galore! The results of the 2026 Chocolate Scorecard are in – and we’re suuuuper proud to be 1 of only 2 companies to achieve an overall green score, with HALBA taking the top spot (congrats!!).
The Chocolate Scorecard is an annual survey that assesses companies worldwide on key sustainability issues in cocoa. Coordinated by Be Slavery Free, together with universities, consultants, and NGOs, the Scorecard celebrates industry leaders and holds accountable companies that can (and should) do much better.
This year, the bar was even higher: the focus shifted from ambition to action, by assessing companies on what they have actually measured, paid, and changed. How does Tony's tackle this? Let's explain!
Winning the Gender Award
In addition to our green score, we also received the Gender Award! This is because of our strong commitment to gender equality in cocoa.
Women play an important role in cocoa farming, but often face structural barriers, such as lower pay and fewer opportunities. We believe that gender equality is essential for the future of cocoa. When women have equal access to income, training, resources, and decision-making, families and communities are stronger in the long run.
To achieve this, we have developed and implemented a Gender Roadmap. Many of the initiatives mentioned will continue beyond 2026, and we are also working on an updated gender strategy, which will be published later this year. Stay tuned!
Leader in living income, child labor, and deforestation
We are extremely proud to rank #1 this year when it comes to living income. This is a recognition of our commitment to enabling and maintaining a living income for farmers. Ensuring a living income remains one of the most difficult challenges in the sector, and this score shows that we are on the right track.
Through Tony's Open Chain, we have been paying a Living Income Reference Price for years, building long-term relationships with farmers, investing in productivity, and providing targeted support to make farmers more resilient and move towards a living income. We want to achieve this on an increasingly larger scale, for even more farmers. This can only be done if we continue to commit, learn, and take collective action. But hey, we always go for the long term!
Just like in previous years, we also scored high in the categories of child labor and deforestation. Yes!
Room to grow: agroforestry and pesticides
We say it often: we are not perfect. We know we can raise the bar when it comes to agroforestry and pesticide use. This year, both were under pressure due to stricter, impact-oriented criteria.
For pesticides, we rank 4th out of 34 companies and score yellow under the stricter criteria; a shift we are happy with. Through Tony's Open Chain's updated productivity program, we are embedding Integrated Pest Management into farmer coaching: fewer unnecessary sprays and working towards responsible use.
In the area of agroforestry, we have also made progress: more shade trees, higher tree density and more biodiversity. Through our Farm Transformation package, we support farmers with personal plans, coaching and funding, so they can work towards more resilient and diverse farms.
Progress is made together
Once again, a big congrats to HALBA for the first place! We are happy that another chocolate brand is raising the bar. Because only together can we change the industry and end exploitation in cocoa.
And you are part of it too. Yes, you!
Because with every bite you join our sweet movement for change.
Sounds good, right? 🤤🍫
Psst! Want to know more? Check out the full Chocolate Scorecard!
