09.07.2025
High-Impact Economic Partnership
The Fairtrade project coordinators from Austria visited the CEDA farmers’ cooperative in Côte d'Ivoire to launch the training initiative.
Gunz and the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) support sustainable cocoa cultivation in Côte d'Ivoire.
Shaping the future through strong partnerships: Since the end of 2024, Gunz has been working with ADA to support the economic development of two cocoa farmers’ cooperatives in Côte d'Ivoire. The goal of this economic partnership is not only to improve market access for local producers but also to enhance their living and working conditions in the long term.
Côte d'Ivoire is one of the world’s leading cocoa producers – making it especially important to us. That’s why we take responsibility on the ground. With the help of funding from ADA, the Austrian Development Cooperation Agency, and in collaboration with Fairtrade, a three-year training and development program has been launched for around 2,000 cocoa farmers. The program supports the cooperatives in building internal structures, improving management, achieving certifications, and complying with social and environmental standards.
Sustainable Development
Supported by regional experts, group workshops and individual coaching sessions are conducted on topics such as sustainable farming, climate adaptation, and child labor prevention. A special focus is placed on empowering women and young adults.
For Gunz, this commitment is a logical step. Gunz contributes over one million euros annually – and consciously absorbs the additional costs of Fairtrade certification without passing them on to end customers.
This partnership with ADA is a strong example of how business practices and development policy can go hand in hand – to the benefit of everyone involved.
"As a company, we benefit from the raw materials of the region – so we also reinvest in the region."
Michael Temel