Mars Reached 98% Responsible Cocoa Sourcing in 2025
As global cocoa prices surged, confectionery operators faced a shift toward mandatory sustainable supply chain verification.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Agriculture
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Mars reached 98% responsible cocoa sourcing in 2025, marking an increase from 81% in 2024. The milestone follows an industry-wide pivot toward verified sustainable supply chains to mitigate risks from disease and climate-related production pressures.
Why it matters
Global cocoa shortages drove prices to a peak of $10,710 per metric ton in January 2025, forcing companies to stabilize supply through long-term sustainability investments. This shift changes procurement requirements by necessitating strict adherence to non-deforestation standards for all cocoa inputs.
Mars achieved 98% responsible cocoa sourcing in 2025, up from 81% in 2024, as part of a $1 billion sustainability commitment pledged over 10 years. Cocoa prices reached a peak of $10,710 per metric ton in January 2025, significantly impacting global input costs.
The players
Mars
A global manufacturer of snack food, confectionery, and pet care products with extensive international supply chain operations.
Indonesia National Research and Innovation Agency
The national government body responsible for agricultural research and innovation policy in Indonesia.
The details
To secure supply, Mars transitioned to procurement processes where suppliers must prove cocoa is not sourced from deforested land. The company leveraged technology, including CRISPR for plant development and the AI-powered Cocoascan tool, to manage crop health. Additionally, Mars partnered with 430 farmers across the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Peru to implement climate-smart agricultural techniques.
Timeline
2018: Mars pledged $1 billion for supply chain sustainability.
January 2025: Cocoa prices reached a peak of $10,710 per metric ton.
2025: Mars achieved 98% responsible cocoa sourcing.
September 17, 2026: Mars released its annual sustainability update.
Market Landscape
The transition to non-deforestation supply chains reflects the broader market adaptation to the European Union Deforestation Regulation. This shift signals a move away from traditional commodity procurement toward intensive, technology-backed verification models.
Operators should monitor whether their supply partners have implemented verifiable non-deforestation tracking to avoid potential future compliance costs. Expect continued price volatility in raw ingredients as climate-smart programs expand.
The takeaway
Reliable supply chains now require integrating proprietary technology and climate-smart programs into existing procurement frameworks. Owners should audit current supplier agreements for environmental compliance clauses to mitigate exposure to future sourcing restrictions.
Further reading
For more on industry-wide commodity standards, see Agriculture.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Supply Chain Dive.
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