Cocoa pricing for a living income: Mechanisms, regulatory levers, and limitations

Empirical study
Synthesis paper
Research report

Published June 2025 by Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) with Bern Open Publishing (BOP). Authored by Musselli I, Bruelisauer S, Porchet N and Oberlack C

Summary

This report investigates pricing schemes designed to promote a living income for cocoa farmers, focusing on what types exist, how they work, and the regulatory and market conditions that shape them. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining primary survey data of Swiss and Peruvian firms with desk-based supply chain research of private and public governance mechanisms and workshop insights gathered at the 2024 World Cocoa Conference in Brussels.  Findings highlight that while innovative pricing strategies exist, most remain niche or are hampered by market volatility, traceability challenges, and limited regulatory support. The report recommends linking pricing schemes to broader supply chain reforms, improving transparency, and using consumer-country legislation (e.g. due diligence and unfair trading practices laws) to support living incomes more effectively.

Research detail

Cocoa pricing for a living income: Mechanisms, regulatory levers, and limitations

Empirical study
Synthesis paper
Research report

Published June 2025 by Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) with Bern Open Publishing (BOP). Authored by Musselli I, Bruelisauer S, Porchet N and Oberlack C