With this in mind, Barry Callebaut and Prova, a premier manufacturer of vanilla extracts and flavors, teamed up in 2016 for an initiative to diversify vanilla farmer incomes through the introduction of cocoa farming. The aim of the partnership is to improve farmer livelihoods and secure a more sustainable supply of vanilla.

The aim of the partnership is to improve farmer livelihoods and secure a more sustainable supply of vanilla.

So why combine cocoa and vanilla? Not only do cocoa trees thrive in a very similar climate to vanilla, but by combining the two crops, cocoa can be harvested throughout the year, diversifying farmer’s income and helping to reduce the risks associated with vanilla’s lean season.  Barry Callebaut has committed to purchasing the cocoa, which is critical to encouraging farmer motivation. By seeing the financial potential generated by the new crop, it also supports farmer entrepreneurship.

An independent audit in spring 2018 showed that the initiative has taken root and is having a positive impact on the targeted communities. As of 2018, a total of 54 tailor-made training courses have taken place. The trainings have included financial management, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for both vanilla and cocoa and professionalizing farmer businesses.  To date, over 450 farmers have participated in the program.

...and delivery of 100% traceable vanilla

Spreading sustainable agronomic expertise has also achieved results in terms of quality and comprehensive traceability. In March 2018, the first 100% traceable vanilla from the Madagascan farms involved was delivered to Barry Callebaut factories in Belgium, Italy and France. 

Forever Chocolate is Barry Callebaut's plan to make sustainable chocolate the norm by 2025 to help ensure future supplies of cocoa and improve farmer livelihoods. It supports the Cocoa Horizons Foundation in its goal to shape a sustainable cocoa and chocolate future.