The Washington Post placed renewed media attention on child labor in the supply chains of several multinational consumer packaged goods companies that sell chocolate and other products containing cocoa. While some strides have been made in the 18 years since the issue was first brought to a head, the industry continues to face issues in traceability and certification of cocoa produced free of child labor. The question for tobacco, as well as other industries reliant on agricultural commodities, is whether this media attention will expand beyond cocoa.

An exceedingly complex social issue, child labor is rooted in culture and poverty and is exacerbated by disasters, conflict and lack of access to education. Nevertheless, tobacco suppliers, manufacturers and brand owners will want to reexamine their supply chains and be prepared for additional scrutiny.

[Article below:]

Much of the chocolate you buy starts with child labor

Why haven’t the cocoa industry’s biggest companies kept their promises?

Read in The Washington Post: https://apple.news/ArcbAAmmjSX-2hJozordu8g