Cocoaradar Exclusive: UK Cocoa Coalition Launch Signals Industry Push for Urgent Deforestation Regulation

The announcement, timed to coincide with the International Day of Forests 2026(21 March), reflects growing industry pressure on the UK Government to provide regulatory clarity and accelerate action on deforestation-linked supply chains.

The Coalition includes major players such as Barry Callebaut, Ferrero, Tony’s Chocolonely, The Hershey Company, Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, and Waitrose, alongside key NGOs including the Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade Foundation, WWF, International Cocoa Initiative (ICI), IDH, and VOICE Network.

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Policy Urgency Intensifies Amid Climate Finance Concerns

The Coalition’s launch comes amid growing scrutiny of the UK’s environmental leadership, following recent cuts to climate aid (as reported by Cocoaradar). Stakeholders warn that delays in implementing the FRC regulation risk compounding pressures on cocoa-producing regions already grappling with climate instability, underinvestment, and deforestation.

UK Climate Aid Cuts Raise Alarm for Cocoa-Producing NationsExclusive analysis: As donor countries scale back development aid, experts warn of cascading impacts on smallholder farmers, global supply chains, and food securityFrom The Desk of CocoaRadar™Anthony Myers

Although the Environment Act (2021) established the legal framework for regulating forest-risk commodities, secondary legislation has not yet been enacted. This regulatory gap has created uncertainty across industries reliant on global agricultural supply chains.

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