Our approach
We're all in this together
Tony's Open Chain approach addresses the lack of progress that has been made by the industry on the three main issues in cocoa by changing purchasing practices. Together, all participants of Tony's Open Chain are spearheading the way to ending exploitation of cocoa collectively.
The Challenge
To this day, the cocoa industry's main remain inadequately addressed. Companies hold the power, make decision and earn profits in the millions while smallholder cocoa farmers are underpaid for their cocoa and often live in poverty.
2.5 million smallholder cocoa farmers in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana produce over 60% of the world's cocoa. In these two countries the biggest issues in the cocoa industry are also the most prevalent.
Main issues in cocoa
Prosperous household income & farmer resilience
The majority of cocoa farmers are not able to earn a living income and live on less than $0.78 per day.
Human rights
1,56 million children work illegally and 30,000 people are victims of forced labour in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
Forests & Environment
Statistics reveal that Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire have witnessed the loss of 80-95% of their forests over the past six decades
Tony's Open Chain co-op centric approach
Our partner co-operatives are the implementers of Tony's 5 Sourcing Principles
Co-ops are the driving force behind our efforts in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire and the implementers of Tony's 5 Sourcing Principles, and the change that comes with it. A co-op fee is paid by all Tony's Mission Allies and data ownership sits with partner cooperatives too ensure they have the financial safety and the measurables insights they need to deliver direct, positive impact to cocoa farmers.
Tony's Open Chain successful scaling
Our approach creates a powerful cycle of growth, impact, and shared success.
Tony's Open Chain successfully attracts a broader range of partners, and as more Mission Allies sign on, the increased demand for beans drives greater impact at the beginning of the supply chain. This expanded reach means catering to various needs from Mission Allies, without compromising on traceability and the positive impact on cocoa farming communities.