Cadbury's: now a 'good egg' in the chocolate industry?

Chocolate giant Cadbury is to set up a fund to help cacao farmers in Ghana, it was announced yesterday. The decision was prompted by research, which found that average production per farmer had fallen to 40% of potential yield.

The Ghanaian connection is of particular importance to Cadbury, as it buys 10% of the country's entire crop. It has been claimed that this accounts for the chocolate's distinctive taste.

The news represents a change of direction for Cadbury, which has been criticised in the past for its apparent indifference to the plight of cacao farmers. Many opposed its acquisition of organic brand Green & Blacks in 2005 for this reason, and at the time, Cadbury said that it was opposed to the principle of fixing the prices it pays to cocoa farmers.

Matt Shattock, president of Cadbury, said: "The programme will focus on improving cocoa farmer incomes by helping growers up their yields and bean quality. It will also introduce new sources of rural income and invest in education."

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