Posted 16/10/2025

Global demand for chocolate is rising, and with it pressure on cocoa producers to meet bold sustainability targets. Major brands have pledged 100 percent sustainable cocoa, zero deforestation, and full traceability within the decade. Yet recent reports show many of these promises are being quietly scaled back.

The reason is complexity. Cocoa supply chains involve millions of smallholder farmers, fragmented across regions with inconsistent oversight. Certification programs like Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance improve conditions, but they cannot verify where cocoa actually comes from.

Scientific origin verification fills this gap. Source Certain’s trace element analysis (TEA) can identify the chemical fingerprint of cocoa and match it to a plantation of origin. This makes it possible to confirm whether beans and chocolate truly align with sustainability claims.

Verification is essential to tackling child labour, deforestation, and low farmer incomes. Without proof of origin, ethical cocoa remains an aspiration. With proof, it becomes measurable progress.

Origin verification can help your business. It is accurate, scalable and affordable. Talk to our team to learn more. 

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