Preventing Child Labor in the Cocoa Industry: Machu Picchu Foods Leads the Charge

At Machu Picchu Foods, we stand firm in our commitment to ethical sourcing and ensuring the well-being of children in the communities that sustain our business.

Machu Picchu Foods: Champions for a Child Labor-Free Environment

As a socially responsible company dedicated to ethical sourcing, Machu Picchu Foods has implemented a multi-pronged approach to prohibit child labor within our supply chain. Here’s how we’re making a difference:

• Strict Policies and Industry-Leading Certifications: Our robust anti-child labor policies encompass all our certified Peruvian cocoa farmers (over 4,600 strong) and local suppliers. We adhere to the rigorous standards set by the Rainforest Alliance, guaranteeing ethical operations and unwavering social responsibility throughout our supply chain.

• Education is Empowerment: Training Programs for a Brighter Future: We firmly believe that education is the cornerstone of tackling child labor at its root. To empower our partners, we provide comprehensive social issue training sessions for both our technical staff and collaborating farmers. This equips them with the knowledge and skills to identify and prevent child labor within their communities.

• Transparency and Monitoring: Building Trust Through Open Communication: Maintaining open communication is paramount. We establish clear expectations through annual Bilateral Agreements with our cocoa farmers, explicitly outlining our unwavering commitment to ending child labor. These agreements are meticulously explained before signing, and we conduct regular field visits to ensure ongoing compliance.

Jhonnatan Murga, Sustainability & Projects Coordinator at Machu Picchu Foods, emphasizes our core belief:

“Every child deserves a joyful childhood free from exploitative labor. They have the fundamental right to education and the opportunity to learn and grow.”

Tingo María – cocoa collection area

Our Ongoing Commitment: Working Together for a Sustainable Future

Throughout our history, protecting the human rights of children in our partner communities has been a core value at Machu Picchu Foods. We continuously refine our practices and actively collaborate with stakeholders to achieve a cocoa industry free from child labor.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Learn more about our commitment to sustainability in our 2022 Executive Recap: LINK