Colombian sustainable chocolate brand Luker Chocolate said its response to the historically high prices in cacao last year was to pay its farmers 103% of the market price, tripling their incomes and leading to one of Colombia's largest harvests of 73,000 tons of cocoa beans.
In its 2024 Progress Report, released today, the company claims that as of October 2024, every piece of chocolate Luker exports to the European Union complies with EUDR regulations on deforestation-free supply chains.
The company also highlights its adjusted purchasing practices to manage volatility and maintain financial balance. Luker supported over 4,300 families through its Chocolate Dream initiative, investing 6% of EBITDA in community projects. It also commits to climate-positive practices, aiming for carbon net zero emissions, water and energy conservation, and circular economy principles.
Overall, the family-run company said it increased incomes for 1,397 cocoa families by 12%.
Anthony Myers
In her foreword to the report, Julia Ocampo Luker’s VP of Cacao Sourcing and Sustainability writes: “The higher cacao prices had a profound impact on farmers in Colombia, tripling their incomes. This growth empowered them to reinvest in their farms, improve food security, enhance infrastructure, and adopt more sustainable farming practices.
“As a result, 2024 marked one of the largest harvests in Colombia’s history, with a total production of 73,000 tons.
“At the same time, we worked closely with our clients to navigate the complexities of price volatility and evolving international regulations. By maintaining strong, transparent relationships and providing timely support, we helped our clients confidently manage the uncertainties of a rapidly changing cacao market.”
Anthony Myers
Luker claims all its exports to Europe are registered in TRACES, the European Commission's online platform for animal and plant health certification. It also provides comprehensive monitoring and documentation to support compliance with regulations like the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
The system traces cacao from its origin, collecting detailed field data on farming practices, through its transformation in production facilities, and to its final destination. This ensures that every step of Luker Chocolate's cacao supply chain is documented.
Luker also announced that it achieved 100% traceability from regional buyers and associations and boosted its circular economy by using 87% recyclable packaging materials and recycling 97% of operational waste.
“In response to growing global expectations around sustainability, traceability, and food safety, we have developed new capabilities to ensure compliance and help our clients quickly respond to the ever-changing global regulatory landscape,” said Ocampo.
- Download Luker Chocolate’s 2024 Report here.
cocoaradar.com is:
- Official Media Partner - World Cocoa Foundation Partnership Meeting in São Paulo, Brazil, 19-20 March 2025.
- Official Media Partner - Amsterdam Sustainable Cocoa Conference, Chocoa, 4-9 February 2025.
- 'From Our Desk. To Yours'
- Sign-up here for free and upgrade to an annual plan with a 35% discount