The Department of Labor’s

Exposing Exploitation in Global Supply Chains Series

Ending Child Labor in Cocoa Production

60% of the global cocoa supply comes from Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, where more than 1.5 million children work on cocoa farms.

Photo Credit: CW Studios Global/Shutterstock.com
MANKRANSO, GHANA: A little boy carrying a basket of harvested cocoa pods..

Over 40% of them do hazardous work.

Using Sharp Tools

Burning Fields

Agro-Chemical Exposure

Lifting Heavy Loads

Beyond Chocolate: The Widespread Reach of Cocoa's Child Labor Problem


Cocoa beans from Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana have been on ILAB's List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor since 2009.  Over the past 15 years, multinational corporations have significantly expanded cocoa processing capacities in both countries to transform raw cocoa beans into intermediate products like cocoa butter, powder, and paste. As a result, both countries have emerged as leading exporters of these products, which are found in a range of everyday products.  

Child Labor Extends Further into the Cocoa Supply Chain

New supply chain research shows a direct connection between cocoa harvested using child labor in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana and the worldwide supply of cocoa paste, cocoa butter, and cocoa powder. In 2024, these products were added to ILAB’s List of Goods Produced with Child Labor or Forced Labor.

They are found in everyday items, including candy, soda, ice cream, skincare, and cosmetics.

Photo Credit: Halil Mescioglu/Shutterstock.com
Cocoa products.

From West Africa to the World, with a Layover in Europe

The majority of cocoa beans and products from Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana are exported to the European Union. The Netherlands, as the largest buyer from both countries, sources 50% of its cocoa beans from these nations and is a major exporter of cocoa paste, butter, and powder.

The heavy reliance on cocoa beans and products from high-risk countries makes Dutch cocoa products more vulnerable to child labor issues, elevating the Netherlands' supply chain risks. To reduce that risk more support is needed to address child labor in these countries.

Photo Credit: Leitenberger Photography/Shutterstock.com
A shipping container full of cocoa beans.

From Importer to Exporter: Netherlands' Pivotal Role in Global Cocoa


As a leading processor and exporter of cocoa products, the Netherlands serves as a crucial link in a global supply chain tainted by child labor risks.

  • 25% of the Netherlands’ imported cocoa beans are re-sold directly to other countries.
  • They are the world’s largest exporter of cocoa paste and cocoa butter, providing nearly 1/3 of global supply.  
  • In 2022, the Netherlands exported $4.6 billion in cocoa and chocolate products.

Cocoa's Transatlantic Trail: U.S. Role in At-Risk Supply Chains

The U.S. is the second-largest importer of cocoa from Côte d'Ivoire after the Netherlands and also a major importer of Dutch cocoa products. This exposes U.S.-produced cocoa goods to supply chain risks related to child labor, similar to those faced by the Netherlands.

Once cocoa beans from Côte d'Ivoire and intermediary cocoa goods reach manufacturing plants in the U.S., they are mixed with other ingredients to create a myriad of chocolate products.

Photo Credit: IStock.com/TkKurikawa
Store shelves full of various chocolates.

Tackling Child Labor in Cocoa Supply Chains


The Netherlands, along with other governments and the cocoa industry, have made significant efforts to prevent and address child labor in cocoa production. However, cocoa supply chains are complex systems that stretch from local farms to global markets, making it difficult to trace the origin of cocoa and tackle child labor issues. This complexity presents challenges both within countries and across international borders.

cocoa supply chain infographic

What Do Companies Know About Their Products?

Some. But, not enough.  As of 2022:

  • Cémoi can trace 34% of its cocoa to the farmer.
  • Mars reports that 51% of its cocoa is traceable to the farm level.
  • Barry Callebaut reports that 60% of cocoa in its direct supply chain is traceable to the farm level.

Photo Credit: Amenic181/Shutterstock.com
Coffee beans with magnifying glass.

The Path Towards Ethical Cocoa Production

To eliminate child labor in cocoa, governments, industry, and civil society must step up efforts and work together, devoting the necessary resources and prioritizing transparency, fairness, and enforcement.

Photo Credit: Winrock International
Woman cocoa farmer in Ghana with cocoa pods.

Recommendations


Ensuring Fair Pricing and Living Incomes: Companies and producer governments should establish fair pricing mechanisms to ensure that cocoa farmers receive a living income, such as setting minimum price thresholds and working with international buyers to secure better prices for farmers.

Enhancing traceability: Companies and producer governments should develop and implement robust and interoperable traceability systems to track cocoa beans from farm to final product to ensure transparency and accountability at every stage of the supply chain.

Advancing Technology Adoption: Companies and producer governments should continue to invest in and promote the adoption of technology to improve agricultural practices and supply chain management.  

Strengthening Enforcement of Labor Laws: Governments should rigorously enforce existing labor laws and regulations to protect children from exploitation in the cocoa sector. This includes increasing inspections and penalties for non-compliance.

Implementing Social Service Programs: Governments should expand and adequately fund social protections and programs that support vulnerable families to reduce their reliance on child labor.

To learn more, visit our supply chain hub!

DOL Supply Chain Research