Meiji Corporation Showcases Sustainability at EcoPro 2025 with Hands-On Chocolate Exhibits

Meiji Corporation Showcases Sustainability at EcoPro 2025

From December 10 to 12, 2025, Meiji Corporation will participate in the Japan's largest environmental exhibition, EcoPro 2025, held at Tokyo Big Sight. This event, dedicated to sustainability and education, aims to engage the next generation of middle and high school students regarding critical challenges like deforestation and child labor associated with cocoa production.

At the exhibition, visitors can explore various interactive sections, including a choice-based quiz format where they learn about issues facing cocoa-producing regions and the initiatives aimed at addressing them. The exhibition's design incorporates the iconic Meiji Milk Chocolate logo, celebrating its 99th anniversary in September 2025, and immerses attendees in the theme of agroforestry, symbolized by a forest ambiance throughout the booth.

Exhibition Highlights

1. Understanding Cocoa

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the cocoa bean's journey, from harvesting through fermentation and drying, before becoming the delicious chocolate ingredient we all enjoy. This engaging experience includes videos and models explaining both the cocoa production process and the social challenges these countries face. Visitors will also be introduced to Meiji's Cocoa Farmer Support initiative, which has been operating for nearly two decades.

2. Environmental Awareness Through Cocoa

Another unique aspect of the exhibition is the opportunity to learn about agroforestry—referred to as “farming that creates forests.” Participants can engage with interactive panels where they can apply stickers representing different harvests. Meiji actively promotes agroforestry practices in Brazil and Ghana, which involve cultivating a diversity of crops and forest products in harmony with the natural ecosystem. This approach not only reduces environmental stress but also leads to long-term soil use while supporting farmers' stable incomes through a variety of harvest seasons.

3. New Possibilities of Cocoa

Visitors will also discover innovative uses for cocoa byproducts. Meiji will showcase products made from upcycled cocoa husks, including materials like cocoa bio-plastics and cocoa ceramides, used for moisturizing. Interestingly, only about 30% of the cocoa fruit (seeds and pulp) is used in making chocolate, with the remaining parts traditionally going to waste or being used for animal feed, fertilizers, or fuel. By effectively utilizing these underused portions, Meiji aims to enhance farmers' income and reduce environmental impacts in cocoa-producing regions.

This initiative has garnered significant attention at international conferences, including TICAD9 and COP30, reflecting a growing interest in sustainable practices. Meiji is committed to further enriching its support activities in cocoa-producing areas, not only focusing on sourcing but also adding value through upcycling techniques to promote cocoa sustainability.

About EcoPro 2025

EcoPro 2025 is Japan's largest environmental exhibition, aiming to resolve social issues through business and nurturing the next generation. It brings together a diverse array of stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector to collaborate toward creating a sustainable future.