Malagasy cocoa transported by sailboat: a challenge that could become a reality in 2026

We are very conscious of current environmental, social and economic challenges, so for many years we have been committed to reducing our carbon footprint, our aim being to cut our greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030. 

To achieve this goal, we are working hard to transform our entire supply chain’s energy use, including transport.

Since 2019, Valrhona has been committed to FRET21, a scheme for shippers that encourages companies to better integrate transport’s impact into their sustainable development strategy.

We also prioritize alternative modes of transport. The use of biofuels such as rapeseed enabled Valrhona to save 143 tons of carbon dioxide in 2022. In France’s major cities, we have also opted for last-mile delivery by bicycle or electric vehicle, saving 3.2 tons of carbon dioxide in 2022.

Valrhona and Norohy support carbon-free shipping

So that we can take the next step in our approach, along with Norohy, we have decided to become members of Windcoop. Windcoop is the first citizen-led cooperative to transport goods by sailboat. We have invested €300,000 in building a cargo sailboat with the ambition of bringing 100% of our Madagascan cocoa and vanilla to the port of Marseille by 2026.

Norohy CEO Vincent Sigaud & Valrhona CSR manager Jeanne Chaumont - @laurent Guichardon

True to its pioneering spirit, Valrhona is proud to be a part of Windcoop, the first carbon-free shipping company organized as a cooperative. For a great many years, Valrhona’s mission has been to create a fair and sustainable cocoa supply chain and inspire creative, ethical gastronomy. This commitment was recognized when we met the demanding requirements needed to secure B Corp certification in January 2020. Our commitment is driven by objectives as, in line with our Climate Plan, we aim to halve our greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. These objectives are driven by specific action to invest in new, low-carbon modes of transport by becoming a Windcoop member.

J𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭, CSR manager at 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐫𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐚

Construction of the first Windcoop container ship is scheduled for 2024, and the first voyage between France and Madagascar is scheduled 2026. Windcoop will be the only shipping company to offer a direct route between France and Madagascar, with an estimated journey time of 35 days. The vessel is designed to carry around 100 containers and is expected to save up to 90% of the usual fuel consumption on average, depending on route and season.

Shipping with Windcoop should enable us to drastically reduce the carbon emissions linked to our cocoa from the Millot plantation in Madagascar, whose entire harvest Valrhona has bought for over 30 years. In fact, studies carried out by the NGO Nitidae show that the Millot plantation’s cocoa has a carbon footprint of 0.57 kg CO2/kg (measured from the producer’s plot to Valrhona’s chocolate factory), compared with an average of 23.2 kg CO2/kg for cocoa in general. We are particularly proud of our carbon footprint, which will be reduced by 50% thanks to carbon-free transport.

Together, we can change shipping for the better

If you too would like to commit to a more sustainable form of sea transport and become a member - you can now invest in one or more shares.