House of Julius Meinl Schokolade

Project Salama Mateza

In recognition of its exemplary commitment at the origin of its supply chain, Max Felchlin AG was awarded the Swiss Ethics Award in 2024. Among the initiatives honoured was the Salama Mateza project, implemented in the Sambirano region of northern Madagascar in collaboration with local partners, including Bäckerei-Confiserie Richner AG and Julius Meinl am Graben.

Through targeted measures to improve healthcare, education, and sustainable agriculture, the project makes a meaningful contribution to enhancing the long-term living conditions of cocoa farmers. By purchasing House of Julius Meinl chocolates, you also support this initiative directly, helping to promote social justice, environmental responsibility, and future prospects for the people at the very start of the supply chain.

 

Outstanding Commitment in Madagasca

In collaboration Max Felchlin AG & Bäckerei-Confiserie Richner AG

 
Access to Healthcare

A key element of the project is the provision of health insurance for families living in remote areas, where medical care is often difficult to access and costly. This insurance enables around 900 people to receive essential healthcare services.

 

 
Promoting Education

To provide children from participating families with better educational opportunities, the project supplies school materials. This not only supports their academic development but also helps prevent child labour – an important step towards reducing poverty and creating fairer prospects for the future.

 
Training in Sustainable Agriculture

In collaboration with local partners such as SAMBIRANO SÀ, the project offers training to strengthen agricultural skills, promote eco-friendly farming practices, and in particular, empower women both economically and socially.

 
Environmental and Climate Protection Measures

The project is also committed to ecological sustainability: through cocoa nurseries and reforestation initiatives, the resilience of the local environment is enhanced. Older, vulnerable cocoa trees are being replaced with hardier varieties to reduce the risk of crop losses caused by climate change.

Sustainability at the Forefront

“Salama Mateza” focuses on long-term, sustainable change. One example is the distribution of solar lamps by the project partner Helvetas Sambirano Landscape Projects, reducing reliance on charcoal and helping to prevent deforestation. Additionally, training in climate-adapted farming methods improves soil quality and supports families in securing their livelihoods for the long term.

Enjoying House of Julius Meinl chocolates is therefore more than just a culinary experience – it also contributes to sustainable development and helps improve the prospects of cocoa farmers and their families in Madagascar.

For more information on the “Salama Mateza” project, please visit the website of the Swiss Platform for Sustainable Cocoa. We thank you for your support and look forward to working together with you and our partners to make a positive difference.