ACCRA(Commodity Online): The Hershey Company is planning to invest $10 million in West Africa to expand and accelerate programs to improve cocoa communities.
By 2017, Hershey’s public and private partnerships will directly benefit 750,000 African cocoa farmers and over two million people in cocoa communities across the region as cocoa farms are family farms, improving farming increases family income. Presently, West African farmers can increase their cocoa output by 50 percent through modern methods.
“Hershey is extending our commitment with new programs to drive long-term change in cocoa villages where families will benefit from our investments in education, health and economic opportunities and our global consumers want The Hershey Company to be a leader in responsible business practices and in finding smart ways to benefit cocoa communities. We are excited and humbled by this opportunity to create positive change in West Africa.” said J.P. Bilbrey, President and CEO, The Hershey Company.
By accelerating its cocoa programs in West Africa over the next five years, Hershey believes the company and the industry can achieve significant progress in helping farmers and improving social conditions.
West Africa accounts for more than 70% of the worlds cocoa is grown.
