Mars Falls Short of Cocoa Sourcing Goal
Despite its efforts, Mars did not achieve its target of sourcing 100% of its cocoa from farms participating in its responsible sourcing program, as stated in the annual sustainability update released on Sept. 17.
In 2025, suppliers procured a volume of cocoa equal to 98% of the cocoa and cocoa ingredients needed for Mars-branded products through the company’s Responsibly Sourced Cocoa program, showing an improvement from 81% the previous year, as mentioned in the report. This program mandates suppliers to source cocoa from land that has not been deforested or converted from another natural ecosystem.
Although the 2025 goals fell slightly short, Mars expressed pride in its progress, especially considering the challenges posed by the volatile global cocoa markets. The Cocoa for Generations Progress Report acknowledged the difficulties faced and the achievements made towards sustainability.
The global cocoa shortage in the previous year led to a significant increase in costs, reaching a peak of $10,710 per metric ton in January 2025. This compelled food companies to raise chocolate prices. To address production challenges, Mars utilized CRISPR gene-editing technology to develop a resilient cocoa plant resistant to climate change and diseases affecting chocolate production.
Mars collaborates with suppliers worldwide to meet its sustainability objectives. In 2025, the company initiated a climate-smart agriculture program in the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Peru, benefiting 430 farmers by enhancing cocoa growing resilience, soil health, and crop yields.
In Latin America, Mars introduced Cocoascan, an AI-powered tool aiding farmers in identifying and managing three infectious cocoa diseases: Witches Broom, Frosty Pod, and Black Pod. In Indonesia, the company and its suppliers educated farmers on modern farming techniques to boost cocoa production. Additionally, Mars partnered with the Indonesia National Research and Innovation Agency to introduce two cocoa clones enhancing yields in Indonesia and Brazil.
Since 2018, Mars has been publishing annual progress reports, committing to invest $1 billion over a decade to enhance the sustainability of its cocoa supply chain.