“By deciding to support ICI, Armajaro Trading is clearly demonstrating its genuine commitment to tackling the problem of child and forced labour in cocoa growing,” the ICI said in a statement.
“We are extremely excited that Armajaro Trading has come on board to support ICI’s work in empowering cocoa farmers and protecting vulnerable children,”added Nick Weatherill, executive director of the foundation.
Nicko Debenham, director of development and sustainability of Armajaro Trading revealed that the firm is ‘delighted’ to be the first cocoa trader to join the ICI.
“As one of the biggest cocoa traders in the world we want to ensure every link in the supply-chain operates to the highest possible standards, making sure our suppliers benefit as the market develops.”
Promoting development
As a contributing partner Armajaro will contribute to ICI’s core programme of work by promoting development and child protection in cocoa-growing communities, strengthening child labour monitoring and remediation, in addition to supporting the national governments of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire in their child labour alleviation efforts.
“As the first cocoa trader to join ICI, Armajaro is leading by example, proving that every actor in the cocoa supply chain has a role to play, and can therefore contribute to an improved collective effort against child labour,” said Debenham.
The ICI reiterated that collective action – at all levels of the cocoa supply chain – is the best model to deliver widespread and lasting results, “and has the best chance of ensuring a safer and brighter future for the children of cocoa farmers everywhere.”
The UK-based cocoa trading group is the first to sign up in support of the foundation, which works towards eliminating child labour and forced labour from cocoa farming and chocolate production. In a statement, ICI said it was ‘very pleased’ to welcome Armajaro as a new contributing partner.
