Health as the Foundation for Sustainable Development

Our Commitment to Cacao Farmers

For years, we have been dedicated to sustainable partnerships and the well-being of cacao farmers because producing high-quality cacao requires more than just the raw material. Our responsibility in the supply chain extends far beyond sourcing. Through projects like Salama Mateza, Akwaaba, Salud Esmeraldas, and Salud Sur del Lago, we promote access to healthcare and improve the quality of life in cacao communities.

From Pilot Phase to Sustainable Solution

What began as a pilot project in Madagascar has now become a proven model for providing healthcare to farming families in our supply chain. Our first health project, Salama Mateza in Madagascar, was handed over to our local partner after a successful pilot phase in the Sambirano region, ensuring its financial independence. The positive experiences gained from this initiative paved the way for further projects in Ghana, Ecuador, and Venezuela. Today, 6’500 cacao farmers in these countries benefit from our ongoing projects.

Healthcare with Sustainable Impact

A study by our implementation partner, Elucid, highlights the significant demand for medical care in cacao communities and the impact targeted initiatives can have:

• 55% of beneficiaries previously had no access to comparable healthcare services.
• 87% would have had no alternative without the project.

These findings underscore the urgent need for such services, particularly for low-income populations.

With improved access to healthcare services:

• 94% of beneficiaries report better household health and an improved quality of life.
• 86% state that they receive higher-quality healthcare thanks to the project.
• 65% spend less time on necessary treatments – an essential factor for their productivity and income.

This demonstrates that our projects not only improve the health of producers but also enhance their long-term quality of life.

Max Felchlin AG as a Driving Force for Sustainable Development

These healthcare projects prove that, as a company, we take responsibility beyond sourcing. We actively invest in the future of cacao farmers. As the initiator of these projects, we contribute to improving healthcare in cacao communities – sustainably and effectively.