Whole-Chain at Salon du Chocolat à Montréal: Showcasing Ethical Trade in Action

From November 8–10, 2024, the Whole-Chain International Standard team participated in the globally recognized Salon du Chocolat à Montréal—an immersive trade show celebrating chocolate makers, cacao producers, industry innovators, and ethical trade leaders from around the world.

The event welcomed thousands of attendees across three days and offered a powerful platform to discuss traceability, transparency, and sustainability in the global chocolate and coffee sectors.

Supporting MABCO: A Whole-Chain Certified Leader

As part of the event, Whole-Chain was proud to support MABCO, a certified chocolate company championing sustainability at every stage of the supply chain. At Booth #7, visitors had the opportunity to engage directly with MABCO’s leadership and the Whole-Chain team to learn about:

• What Whole-Chain certification means for cacao producers and exporters

• How traceability standards align with global trade and deforestation-free regulations

• Why ethical sourcing and transparent documentation matter to today’s consumers

• The benefits of capacity-building for smallholder and cooperative-based supply chains

By meeting rigorous Whole-Chain certification requirements, MABCO is helping lead the way toward a more equitable, transparent, and sustainable chocolate industry.

Interest from Producers, Buyers, and Retailers

Salon du Chocolat was more than a showcase—it was a space for real conversations. Visitors from Canada, Latin America, Europe, and West Africa stopped by to learn how the Whole-Chain International Standard (WCIS) can support:

• Smallholder cacao producers seeking global market access

• Exporters and cooperatives committed to ethical trade

• Retailers looking for verified sustainability claims

• Buyers navigating ESG compliance and supply chain due diligence

The level of interest across regions and roles reaffirmed a growing demand for credible, field-tested certification frameworks that center both producer wellbeing and consumer trust.

Capturing the Moment

Special thanks to Arabella Gómez, whose photography and video work captured the vibrancy of the event—from booth visits and tastings to panel discussions and supply chain storytelling. Her work brought the technical and relational elements of the Whole-Chain approach to life.

What’s Next for Whole-Chain

The momentum from Salon du Chocolat à Montréal has sparked exciting new conversations with buyers, distributors, and regional producer networks. In the months ahead, Whole-Chain will:

• Expand certification partnerships across Latin America and Africa

• Support traceability pilots in the coffee sector

• Launch updated training tools aligned with WCIS revisions

• Continue building platforms that strengthen climate-smart, producer-led supply chains

To learn more about the Whole-Chain International Standard or to become a certified partner, visit www.whole-chain.org or contact us at info@whole-chain.org.

Tags: Salon du Chocolat, Montreal, Cacao, Chocolate Industry, WholeChainStandard, WCIS, Ethical Sourcing, Traceability, Sustainability, MABCO