In the food and beverage industry, Nestlé has announced its collaboration with scientists to secure the future of cocoa.
Partnering with The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE), and Fox Consultancy, Nestlé has successfully mapped 300 cocoa varieties. This initiative has led to the formation of a crucial core collection.
The core collection, comprising 96 cocoa varieties, will significantly aid researchers in identifying plants with desirable traits, including climate resilience, disease tolerance, and high productivity.
Given its popular brands like KitKat, Quality Street, and Smarties, ensuring the sustainability of cocoa is vital for Nestlé.
“Cocoa is a key ingredient in many of our products, especially chocolate,” states Patrick Descombes, senior expert in genomics at the Nestlé Institute of Food Safety and Analytical Sciences. “Yet, the fact that only a small percentage of global cocoa diversity is currently used in commercial production makes its supply chain more vulnerable to a fast-changing world. We leveraged cutting-edge genomic techniques, including deep sequencing of cocoa tree genomes, advanced data analysis, and bioinformatics, to explore genetic similarities and differences across over 300 cocoa varieties and establish this core collection.”
“Assembling the world’s genetic diversity of cocoa into a well-curated collection, or a ‘Noah’s Ark’ of cocoa diversity, not only makes sense from a conservation point of view, it will also allow us to uncover key traits that can be used in traditional breeding programs to safeguard the future of cocoa,” adds Jeroen Dijkman, head of the Nestlé Institute of Agricultural Sciences.
In addition to this pioneering research, Nestlé is investigating innovative post-harvest solutions, including a patented technique that utilizes underused parts of cocoa pods, such as pulp and placenta, to produce cocoa flakes. This approach unlocks additional value from the fruit.
The Future of Cocoa
Ensuring the sustainability of cocoa for future generations is a challenge that no single entity can address independently.
The food manufacturing sector is witnessing major players, research institutions, and sustainability organizations joining forces to protect this essential crop.
From genetic mapping and breeding programs to innovative farming techniques and effective post-harvest solutions, collaborative efforts are needed to establish a resilient cocoa supply chain capable of withstanding climate pressures, disease threats, and market fluctuations.
By investing in scientific advancements, collaboration, and the livelihoods of farmers today, the industry is laying the groundwork for a future in which cocoa can thrive for decades to come.
