Mars, ofi to advance regenerative ag practices in Ecuador

MCLEAN, VA. — Mars, Inc. has signed a five-year agreement with ofi to help advance climate-smart and regenerative agriculture practices in cocoa production in Ecuador. The pact, which will span 2025-29, includes the two companies’ shared cocoa supply chain.

Mars and ofi have sourced sustainable cocoa globally for more than 15 years, including the past decade in Ecuador.

As part of phase one of the latest collaboration, the companies said more than 960 farmers across major cocoa growing regions of El Oro, Esmeraldas, Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí and Santo Domingo in Ecuador are expected to implement regenerative agriculture, across more than 22,239 acres of farmland. The farmers will be equipped with tools to use low carbon fertilizers, improved crop residue management, and biochar applications. Ultimately, the regenerative farming practices are expected to enhance soil health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase CO₂ removals and strengthen cocoa crop yields, the companies said.

“Building on our long-standing collaboration in cocoa sourcing, this effort demonstrates our belief that when companies share common goals, they can deepen cooperation and drive more meaningful impact at scale,” said Benjamin Guilbert, global vice president of cocoa at Mars. “We value ofi’s ongoing commitment to helping Mars realize our vision of a more modern, inclusive, and sustainable cocoa ecosystem that can support farmers and the environment,”

Andrew Brooks, head of cocoa sustainability at ofi, added, “Together with Mars, we’re scaling up regenerative practices like agroforestry and biochar in Ecuador aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions and helping to secure the future supply of cocoa. By making these practices more accessible to farmers, we hope to reduce barriers for implementation and costly inputs, while opening new income opportunities that can make a real difference to building more resilient livelihoods.

“Our latest climate action collaboration with Mars is sparked by our shared, science‑based net‑zero ambitions to create change for a stronger food system so we can continue to enjoy the chocolate products we all love. Working jointly in Ecuador for 10 years, we’re developing local insights to help accelerate positive impact for the people and landscapes vital for cocoa.”