Chocolate Bonus 2024: Honoring Cacao Farmers with Gratitude

Since the beginning of this year, record cocoa prices have driven up chocolate prices. While some manufacturers may see this as a crisis, Mr. Gricha Safarian, with 30 years in the cocoa and chocolate industry, believes it's an opportunity for farmers to receive fair compensation for their efforts after years of price pressure. Despite the enormous profits enjoyed by large chocolate companies, the farmers who provide the raw materials have historically received a disproportionate share.

With a shortage of raw materials and supply not meeting demand, cocoa farming has the potential to significantly improve farmers' lives.

At Puratos Cacao-Trace, we are committed to sustainable development and maximizing the potential of cocoa. We provide technical support, distribute cocoa seedlings to farmers, commit to long-term purchasing at fair prices, and encourage farmers to invest in their farms. These efforts are part of our daily mission to develop sustainable cocoa-growing regions and ensure fair compensation for farmers.

For the past 20 years, Puratos Grand-Place Vietnam has recognized that supporting farmers means ensuring a more stable life for them and their families. The Chocolate Bonus program, conducted annually in the second quarter, honors the invaluable contributions of cocoa farmers. This program, part of the sustainable cocoa purchasing initiative Cacao-Trace, provides well-deserved rewards to all participating farmers, acknowledging their dedication and hard work.

This year's event welcomed 1,723 farmers and cocoa purchasing collectors from Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Binh Phuoc, Dong Nai, Tra Vinh, Ben Tre, Vinh Long, and Tien Giang. Additionally, smaller reward distribution sessions were held in remote communes to facilitate easier participation. This event also provided farmers the chance to interact with and learn directly from PGPV's cocoa technical consultants.

Starting in 2025, rewards will be distributed via direct bank transfers to enhance convenience for remote farmers, ensure transparency, and minimize risks. During this award period, we began mapping and digitizing cocoa farms and farmer information to support the export of Vietnamese agricultural products.

In Dak Lak, we welcomed many new cocoa-growing households, highlighting the increasing economic potential of cocoa in Vietnam.

Hoang Van Phuc, Chairman of Thien Loc Phat Agricultural Cooperative in Cu Jut district, Dak Nong province, shared, "Cocoa farmers look forward to the rewards each year. Although the amount may not be large, it is an opportunity for us to exchange knowledge and learn about the cocoa industry and market."

Nguyen Huu Hai, a cocoa farmer from Buon Don district, Dak Lak, expressed his joy, saying, "This is my 10th time participating in the Chocolate Bonus distribution. The bonus, regardless of its size, always encourages us to better care for our cocoa gardens."

Tran Kien Minh, another cocoa farmer from Buon Don district, added, "Initially, I was hesitant to join the program, but once I got used to it, it became a passion. For poor households like mine, life was very difficult before, but harvesting our first cocoa season greatly improved our lives. This cocoa tree has excellent prospects."

Cocoa purchasing policies are continually improving, providing a stable and sustainable income for farmers. In response to new farmers' requests, we will hold additional annual training sessions on sustainable farming techniques, pruning, fertilization, and more to help increase productivity.

Each year, the Chocolate Bonus event reinforces the sustainable cooperation between chocolate manufacturers and farmers, bringing local flavors to customers and supporting farmers in building a better life while contributing to environmental protection.

Through this program, we also extend our gratitude to the local government for facilitating these meaningful activities. Puratos Grand-Place aims to grow the Cacao-Trace program and continue making a positive impact on farming communities. We hope more farmers will join the Cacao-Trace community.

The journey of creating and sharing value through the Chocolate Bonus will continue, helping more cocoa farming households achieve prosperity.