Sainsbury’s is proud to join forces with leading partners in the chocolate industry to invest in a key cocoa‑producing landscape in Ghana. By working together with suppliers and local technical experts, we’re supporting forest‑fringe communities to protect and restore nature while building a stronger future for cocoa farmers.
Across the cocoa sector, many farmers face systemic challenges linked to living income and the ongoing risk of deforestation. While sourcing certified cocoa and supporting deforestation legislation already helps reduce further forest loss, we’re committed to going further. That’s why we’re backing landscape‑level action in regions where it matters most.
Working together for impact
We have partnered with Mondelēz International and Barry Callebaut to co‑fund the Asunafo–Asutifi Landscape Programme, which is being run by Proforest Initiative Africa. Our collective investment will help farmers and local communities protect forests, strengthen active forest management with local authorities and adopt agroforestry practices. This level of collaboration between a retailer, a brand and a trader to support forest restoration is an industry first - and one we are proud to lead.
This programme builds on the Asunafo–Asutifi Hotspot Intervention Area management plan, developed within the framework of the Ghana Cocoa Forest REDD+ Programme, an initiative under Ghana’s National REDD+ Strategy. Together, we’re working toward a deforestation‑free, climate‑resilient cocoa landscape that also improves livelihoods for the farmers who depend on cocoa production.
Driving positive change over the next three years
Through this three‑year programme, partners will support:
Governance improvements that strengthen environmental and social outcomes
Reduced deforestation and forest rehabilitation
Increased tree cover on farms
Better understanding of EU Deforestation Regulation compliance among farming communities
Delivery will include training and equipment for community groups, close collaboration with Ghana’s Forestry Commission and practical on‑farm support for forest restoration and tree planting.
Part of our wider commitment to nature and resilient supply chains
At Sainsbury’s, we know that protecting nature and securing long‑term farmer livelihoods is essential for the future of the cocoa we all enjoy. This landscape‑level investment forms part of our broader commitment to building resilient supply chains while helping communities restore and protect vital ecosystems. We cannot tackle food system challenges alone, and we’re proud to work with our supply‑chain and brand partners to deliver shared, lasting outcomes.
All photos provided by Rainforest Alliance