At the 2025 International Bakery & Confectionery Awards, Emkao Foods has been named the Sustainability Project of the Year in the confectionery category – a recognition that reflects the judges’ respect for its impactful, farmer-first approach to cocoa sourcing and community development.
The awards honour the organisations and initiatives driving meaningful environmental and social progress across the confectionery sector, spotlighting those who are redefining what responsible, future-focused production looks like.
This year’s sustainability finalists demonstrated a powerful commitment to change from multiple angles. Chocolarder advanced an ethical, traceable model rooted in small-batch craft chocolate and transparent supply chains. Constantia Flexibles delivered packaging innovations with strong potential to reduce material use and environmental burden across confectionery applications. Meanwhile, Emkao Foods presented a sourcing strategy centred entirely on farmers – designed to elevate local livelihoods, promote sustainable agricultural practices and build long-term resilience within cocoa-growing communities.
Following the judges’ evaluation, Emkao Foods emerged as the standout project. Its farmer-first model was commended for its holistic impact, addressing not only environmental stewardship but also economic empowerment and community wellbeing. By investing directly in growers and prioritising sustainable cultivation methods, Emkao Foods positions ethical cocoa production as both a commercial advantage and a catalyst for systemic change.
With its win, Emkao Foods – Farmer-First Cocoa-Sourcing Model joins the ranks of projects demonstrating that the future of confectionery sustainability lies in equitable partnerships, regenerative practices and transparent value chains.
The 2025 International Bakery & Confectionery Awards continues to celebrate the initiatives reshaping the confectionery industry for a more sustainable and responsible future.
Find out more about this year’s finalists and winners in our latest issue here
