Traceable, transparent, and deforestation-free cocoa – thanks to a strong partnership between METRO and CÉMOI

Cocoa - the "brown gold" - stands for enjoyment, warmth and emotion. Whether as a melt-in-the-mouth bar with coffee, a dessert highlight or a sophisticated ingredient in the kitchen, chocolate is indispensable for many restaurateurs. But while the flavour is impressive, one question often remains unanswered: Where does the cocoa come from - and under what conditions is it produced?

A strong signal for traceable and deforestation-free cocoa sourcing

Sustainability along the supply chain starts with the origin of the raw materials. METRO's cooperation with the long-established French company CÉMOI shows how transparent and deforestation-free supply chains can be successfully implemented.

Responsibility that you can taste

CÉMOI is one of the few companies in the world that manages the entire cocoa value chain - from beans to finished chocolate products.
As good chocolate is not just about taste, but also about commitments : traceability, transparency and the consistent renunciation of deforestation are the three pillars of the cooperation between CÉMOI and METRO.

METRO relies on CÉMOI’s Cacao Reference (Level 1) – a framework that sets strict requirements for the entire supply chain. Under this level, cocoa beans are sourced according to a dedicated charter that guarantees:

• Traceability back to origins – Every batch of cocoa can be followed back to its origin.
• Transparency at each stage – Local presence in Côte d’Ivoire ensures close monitoring of sourcing and processing.
• Deforestation-free sourcing – Cocoa supply chains are verified to comply with upcoming EUDR requirements.

This approach guarantees that METRO’s cocoa is sourced responsibly with complete visibility across every step of the supply chain - from plantations to finished products – and is fully aligned with upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requirements.

METRO Sustainability as a corporate principle

The cooperation with CÉMOI is part of METRO's holistic ESG approach.
METRO’s ESG initiative forms a central building block within the group-wide "sCore" strategy.

♻️ Three pillars of the ESG strategy

1. Climate and CO₂ reduction
2. Ethical behaviour and trust
3. Equality, inclusion and well-being

METRO not only live these principles in-house, but also demand and promote them in partnerships. METRO is working with suppliers such as CÉMOI to actively shape the food market of tomorrow - transparently, fairly and in line with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Strong together: for people, nature and enjoyment

METRO's membership in the Retailer Cocoa Collaboration (RCC) also emphasises the path towards greater justice and sustainability in the global cocoa sector. Here, retail companies, NGOs and other stakeholders work together on long-term improvements. Consumers and restaurateurs benefit from products that meet the highest standards - both in terms of flavour and traceability. The partnership with CÉMOI is exemplary for food that does good.

→ Discover traceable METRO Chef products now and play an active role in shaping them.

CÉMOI ingredients are used in products such as chocolate biscuits and baked goods from METRO Chef. CÉMOI's commitment is in line with METRO's efforts to make the ingredients of its own brands even more sustainable and transparent, among other things.