Sustainability has become a significant issue in many companies as it affects their reputation among customers. At the same time, outsourcing and globalization have resulted in the spreading out of supply chains across continents. Therefore, the focus of implementing sustainability has shifted from the single organization to the entire supply chain. This is of particular importance for chocolate manufacturers with their multinational supply chains as they are held responsible by the public for any irregularities which happen in their supply chain.
Chocolate brand owners have been confronted with increasing criticism and pressure from politics and public due to the lack of sustainability in their supply chain. A current example is the TV documentary “Schmutzige Schokolade”, a film about child labor on cocoa farms in Ivory Coast, for which the Danish filmmaker Miki Mistrati blames the chocolate manufacturers. The film, which was broadcasted on ARD on October, 6th, 2010, at 11:30p.m., has been sold altogether to 18 countries and was consequently watched by several million television viewers.
This paper focuses on Sustainable Supply Chain Management in the chocolate industry. The following chapter contains a short theoretical introduction to the topic. It then focuses on giving an overview of the European, and there specifically on the German chocolate industry. Furthermore, it puts focus on the raw material cocoa from Ivory Coast, as cocoa butter and cocoa powder are among the main ingredients of chocolate and Ivory Coast is the world’s largest cocoa producer country. The last two chapters include the description of the importance, weak points, challenges and possible concepts of Sustainable Supply Chain Management for cocoa. The paper finishes with a summary and an outlook.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Theoretical Framework
- Supply Chain Management
- Definition of SCM and distinction to Logistics
- Origin and development of Supply Chain Management
- Sustainable Development
- Characterization
- History and growing political importance
- Sustainable Supply Chain Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Chocolate and cocoa industry overview
- The European and German chocolate industry
- The cocoa industry
- Supply Chain Map for cocoa
- Sustainable Supply Chain Management for cocoa
- Importance of SSCM for the chocolate industry
- Weak points of the supply chain for cocoa
- Challenges of implementing a sustainable supply chain for cocoa
- Concepts for a Sustainable Supply Chain Management for cocoa
- Summary and Outlook
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) within the chocolate industry. Specifically, it focuses on the cocoa supply chain, examining its challenges and opportunities for sustainability.- The critical role of SSCM in the chocolate industry to address ethical and environmental concerns.
- The challenges posed by the cocoa supply chain, including child labor, deforestation, and unfair trading practices.
- The importance of stakeholder engagement and collaborative efforts in implementing sustainable practices.
- Concepts and approaches to achieving sustainable cocoa production and supply chains.
- The potential for SSCM to contribute to broader sustainable development goals.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of SSCM in the context of the chocolate industry, highlighting the growing importance of sustainability in business practices and the increasing scrutiny faced by chocolate manufacturers. It also introduces the focus of the paper on the cocoa supply chain, particularly in Ivory Coast, the world's largest cocoa producer.
- Theoretical Framework: This section provides a theoretical foundation for the paper by defining key concepts such as Supply Chain Management (SCM), Sustainable Development, and SSCM. It explores the evolution and development of these concepts and their relevance to the chocolate industry.
- Chocolate and cocoa industry overview: This chapter provides an overview of the European, specifically the German, chocolate industry. It then focuses on the cocoa industry, highlighting the global supply chain for cocoa and the importance of Ivory Coast as a major producer.
- Sustainable Supply Chain Management for cocoa: This chapter explores the importance of SSCM for the chocolate industry, examining the weak points of the cocoa supply chain and the challenges associated with implementing sustainable practices. It discusses the need for collaboration among stakeholders to address these challenges.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper focuses on key topics related to sustainable supply chain management in the chocolate industry, particularly in relation to the cocoa supply chain. Key concepts include sustainability, supply chain management, ethical sourcing, child labor, deforestation, fair trade, and stakeholder engagement. The paper also examines specific challenges and opportunities for achieving sustainable cocoa production in Ivory Coast.- Quote paper
- Oliver Thomas (Author), 2011, Sustainable Supply Chain Management in the chocolate industry, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/171088
