Marks & Spencer Partners with Fairtrade for Sustainable Cocoa in Côte d'Ivoire

The new MS-Fairtrade-Cocoa-Partnership will provide vital financial support to West African farmers.

Empowering Farmers via the MS-Fairtrade-Cocoa-Partnership

M&S has confirmed a new deal with the Yeyasso Cooperative and Fairtrade. The project focuses on cocoa farmers in Côte d’Ivoire. It aims to ensure they receive a fairer price for their crops.

This initiative helps farmers invest in more sustainable agricultural practices. Better farming methods lead to higher yields and protected local environments. M&S is committed to 100 per cent ethical sourcing for its cocoa.

Sustainable Chocolate and Future Goals

The partnership provides technical training and direct financial investment to the cooperative. This supports over 1,000 farmers and their families in the region. It specifically targets the empowerment of female farmers within the cocoa industry.

Fairtrade Africa will oversee the implementation of these local community projects. M&S shoppers can expect more products to carry the Fairtrade mark. The move aligns with the retailer's Plan A sustainability goals for 2030.

By supporting Yeyasso, M&S is helping to build a more resilient supply chain. The retailer hopes this model will inspire further industry-wide changes. Sustainability remains a top priority for UK grocery shoppers this year.

Lucinda Langton, Head of Sustainability at M&S Food, said: “This long-term commitment means the cooperative can invest in their communities and adapt to changing weather patterns to protect the future of cocoa crop for generations of farmers to come.”

Kerrina Thorogood, Partnerships Director at Fairtrade Foundation, added: “Fairtrade Foundation is thrilled to be working with M&S as the first UK retailer to join the Shared ImPact initiative.

"Their commitment to sourcing from Yeyasso for three years and supporting the Fairtrade Living Income Programme is already making a difference for Yeyasso's farmers and their communities. We’re grateful for M&S’ continued support for Fairtrade and trust in pioneering new initiatives. "

Related Links

MORE: 10,000 Gluten-Free Colin the Caterpillar Cakes Sold in Record Five-Day Launch — https://trendwiremedia.com/2026/02/05/ms-sells-10000-gluten-free-colin-the-caterpillar-cakes-in-record-five-day-launch/

MORE: Deliveroo launches student-designed sustainable takeaway packaging — https://trendwiremedia.com/2026/02/05/deliveroo-launches-student-designed-sustainable-takeaway-packaging/

MORE: M&S Becomes First UK Supermarket to Include Alcohol in Health Sales — https://trendwiremedia.com/2026/02/08/ms-becomes-first-uk-supermarket-to-include-alcohol-in-health-sales/