While indulging in your favourite sweet treat, your first thought is probably not about the process involved in turning cocoa beans into that delicious chocolate bar or melt-in-your-mouth truffle. But the fact is that this process can have enormous environmental and social effects. With the global demand for chocolate on the rise, it is more important than ever to be aware of the impacts of our choices. For Lir, that means engaging in sustainable cocoa farming and striving to make sustainable choices throughout the production process, to ensure that our favourite treat can be enjoyed for generations to come. First, let’s look at some of the sustainability challenges faced in chocolate production.

Cocoa is usually produced in West Africa, an area that already faces major sustainability challenges. Farmers in remote areas face issues including limited knowledge and understanding of good farming and agricultural practices, depleted soil, lack of financial resources to purchase good equipment, and of course, the growing effects of climate change. These farming communities also face social challenges, often lacking basic infrastructure and healthcare services, as well as access to clean and safe drinking water. Gender inequality in these areas means that women have few opportunities to get an education, build skills and generate income.

At Lir, we are proud to participate in cocoa sustainability practices with Cocoa Horizons, a Foundation that aims to improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and their communities. Through this partnership, we contribute to improving farming practices, making them more sustainable, and we search for innovative solutions to drive positive change in cocoa-farming communities. The Foundation also focuses on social impact areas including women’s income generation, enabling children's potential through education, enhancing community wellbeing and mitigating climate change with cleaner energy, key areas for sustainable development helping to ensure a better future for generations to come.

We’re always thinking of and working on new projects to make our cocoa sourcing, production and packaging more sustainable, so you can enjoy your favourite Lir Chocolates knowing you are supporting a brand that supports sustainability.