Chocolate Scorecard 2026 Reveals Most Companies Still Failing Children and Cocoa Farmers —but Making Progress on Transparency
Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829
Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) and its organization, the Child Labor Coalition (CLC), are proud to participate in the Annual Chocolate Scorecard, an initiative coordinated by Be Slavery Free, an Australian coalition campaigning against modern slavery. This campaign aims to raise awareness about child labor in chocolate production, promote ethical sourcing, and empower consumers to choose chocolate that aligns with their values.
The Chocolate Scorecard evaluates 49 leading chocolate companies and retailers representing about 90 percent of the global cocoa supply chain. Now in its seventh year, the Scorecard shows meaningful progress in corporate transparency, especially on child labor reporting and farmer income. Yet most companies still fall short of ensuring that farmers earn a living income or of addressing the root causes of child labor.
“The chocolate industry can no longer hide behind promises or partial progress,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg. “If companies are serious about ending child labor, they must pay farmers fairly and invest in the communities that sustain their supply chains. Transparency is a start—but accountability is what will drive real change. The CLC calls on companies, policymakers, and consumers to use the Scorecard as a mandate for immediate action: demand concrete steps, clear timelines, and measurable progress in protecting children and ensuring farmer livelihoods throughout the chocolate industry.”
Participation has grown, and nearly all companies with relevant data now disclose their child labor practices. The share of farmers with “unknown” incomes fell sharply from 55 percent last year to 15 percent, greatly improving supply chain visibility.
A few companies, such as HALBA, demonstrate that ethical sourcing at scale is possible—HALBA earned top marks for living income, traceability, and sustainability. Across the industry, 80% of companies do not ensure a living income for farmers; 70% fall short on reducing pesticide risks, and most address symptoms rather than the causes of child labor. The Scorecard also recognizes a handful of companies making meaningful strides, including Original Beans, Coop, The Hershey Company, and Tony’s Chocolonely.
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About the National Consumers League (NCL)
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org
