Tony’s Chocolonely’s ESG Insights 2023/2024
QUICK FACTS ABOUT TONY'S
Based in the Netherlands with operations in the US, UK, Germany, and Belgium (manufacturing). They are well-represented in stores globally.
Legally abide by EU, UK and USA laws.
Net Revenue of around €200 million.
Shareholder structure: 7 shareholders who own Tony’s Chocolonely, also registered as Tony’s Factory BV (which has 16 subsidiaries under it).
Reporting is done using the ESRS Framework and is compliant with GRI Standards.
Donates 1% of Revenue to Chocolonely Foundation for CSR projects.
Market Share in their key markets:
Source: Tony’s Chocolonely FAIR Report 2023/2024 page 79
Tony’s Brand Awareness:
Source: Tony’s Chocolonely FAIR Report 2023/2024 page 78
HOW IS TONY'S DIFFERENT?
They have their own 5 sourcing principles to guide their practices and ensure no child labor, slavery, or deforestation is present in their cocoa sourcing. They also work with partner cooperatives to better understand the source of cocoa, the needs of farmers, and how they can be helped.
They source their cocoa from West Africa and pay a premium compared to the Fairtrade LIRP (Living Income Reference Price). This means that they pay more money to cocoa farmers to ensure they can sustain their plantations, and their livelihoods, and send their children to school.
They encourage other organizations to source cocoa sustainably with increased traceability. To do so they started their Open Chain Mission Allies project.
They work with third-party organizations to expand their accountability measures.
They have their own CLMRS - Child Labour Monitoring & Remediation System to ensure Child Labour ends. They implemented a continuous monitoring process to try to ensure there's no child labour in the supply chain.
A BITE ABOUT TONY'S
A B-Corp-certified, and Fair Trade-compliant chocolate maker in the market since 2005. Their founding principles are expressed to end child labor, slavery, and the real economic burden of cocoa farmers faced in the supply chain. A chocolate venture aimed to raise awareness and create chocolate that can be enjoyed by everyone without the expense of another person’s livelihood.
Use of Renewable energy in their offices and their factory in Belgium.
Carbon Offsetting by working with Justdiggit.
They have estimated emissions of 4.7 kg of CO2 per kg of chocolate.
They pledge to reduce Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions by 42% (base year 2022) by 2030. Scope 1 & 2 make up around 2% of their overall GHG emissions.
Scope 3 emissions contribute 98% of overall GHG emissions with raw materials being a major contributor.
Use of deforestation-free cocoa done through GPS mapping and traceability.
Monitoring of pesticide use through partner cooperatives in compliance with Rainforest Alliance standards.
90% of their packaging is recyclable.
Waste is reduced and reused for example leftover chocolate is reused, while other inputs that cannot be reused are sent to a biogas facility to be utilized as green energy.
ENVIRONMENTAL
SOCIAL
The section titled ‘How is Tony’s different?’ mentions a few of their social measures such as the premium payment compared to LIRP, and their CLMRS system. They also provide school lunches (through Chocolonely Foundation) and are creating awareness to eradicate poverty and suffering within these communities that rely on cocoa income.
They work with Cooperatives within these communities and pay a fee for continuous partnership that helps farmers with education, awareness, and farm development plans.
Supporting women and promoting equality is on their agenda as they partnered with a foundation called YARANI.
Implementing projects for climate-smart technology to help farmers adjust to changing climate landscapes.
GOVERNANCE
Their report comprehensively addresses pay gaps in their organisation, DEI, compensation policies, surveys, and questionnaires conducted by third-party to assess what they can do better for their employees and other areas of operations.
Elaborate onboarding, talent development, and projects that encourage professional development.
AUTHOR'S OPINION
A well-presented report that entertains and delivers aspects primarily focused on the social action of their supply chain. Expectedly so considering the mission statement of the company. As a sustainability leader in the chocolate industry, we would like to see more representation of their specific actions towards reducing GHG emissions, specifically: 1) transportation like shipping and deliveries throughout the supply chain, and 2) water consumption in their production processes. As Tony’s is a company that has expressed to be fully transparent and lead by example, the more they can provide details of other environmentally conscious efforts, the more they can encourage other companies to follow suit. Another aspect of Governance that we would like to hear about next time is their Whistleblower policies. Overall, Tony’s has a sustainable business model and continues to persevere and expand, showcasing their commitment to their values and transforming the cocoa industry. Their efforts to work with third parties to assure accountability and credibility are commendable.
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