Meiji's Cocoa Support Fund Donates 8,000 Cocoa Seedlings to Farmers

Meiji's Cocoa Support Fund's Impact on Sustainable Cocoa Production

Meiji Co., Ltd., under the leadership of President Fumijiro Yao, recently announced its initiative to address social challenges in cocoa-producing regions and promote sustainable cocoa farming by donating approximately 8,000 cocoa seedlings to farmers in Brazil and Venezuela. This donation is part of the company’s ongoing effort through the "Cocoa Support Fund," with seedlings scheduled for delivery in January and April 2025.

What is the Cocoa Support Fund?

Meiji believes in the importance of its employees understanding the significance of sustainability activities, motivating them to take personal responsibility in contributing to these efforts. The Cocoa Support Fund is a corporate donation initiative designed to mobilize internal support among employees for sustainability projects. The Meiji Group has set forth its "Sustainability 2026 Vision," aiming to tackle various social issues through its business operations and facilitate a healthier and safer society for all.

In cocoa-producing areas, multiple issues such as child labor and deforestation persist, necessitating support from companies like Meiji that rely heavily on cocoa in their chocolate products. It is crucial for Meiji to face these challenges and contribute meaningfully to the cocoa supply chain, thereby fulfilling its social responsibility.

Second Cocoa Support Fund Initiative

In December 2023, 371 Meiji employees participated in the second fundraising campaign, raising a total of 921,900 yen (approximately $6,700). This funding enabled the donation of 1,590 cocoa seedlings to Brazil and 6,300 seedlings to Venezuela, which will reach local farmers in early 2025. Meiji had previously engaged in a similar initiative in February 2023, which saw the donation of 1,550 seedlings to Brazil and 7,000 seedlings to Venezuela. The company has received expressions of gratitude from local farmers for its ongoing support and is pleased to report that the previously planted seedlings are thriving, with expectations for a successful harvest in two to three years.

Fundraising Timeline and Contributions

- Fundraising Period: December 1 – December 31, 2023
- Participating Company: Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd. and Meiji Co., Ltd.
- Donation Dates: Brazil: January 2025, Venezuela: April 2025
- Total Donation Amount: 921,900 yen
- Donation Details:

- Brazil: 1,590 high-quality grafted seedlings known for their flavor, productivity, and disease resistance.
- Venezuela: 6,300 seedlings grown from seeds.

Observing the Impact of Donations

The impact of the Cocoa Support Fund's initiatives can be seen in the recent developments from the first round of donations, where seedlings are flourishing a year later. By continuing to support these regions, Meiji plans to explore further advancements for the Cocoa Support Fund.