The origin of the cacao species can be traced back almost 4000 years to South America. This is where the legacy of cocoa began – a legacy which we are developing through research, science and innovation. In 1982, Mars purchased the Mars Center for Cocoa Science (MCCS) in the then thriving cocoa-growing region of Bahia, Brazil. Mars converted this operating cocoa farm into a modern research facility with the aim of understanding the fundamental nature of cocoa’s key qualities.

When the fungal disease Witches’ Broom was discovered in the Bahia region in 1988, Mars used the farm as a base for long-term action to combat the disease. Although Witches’ Broom devastated the crop in the 1990s – reducing output by over 80% – Mars continued to work in the region, creating hope for farmers by locating cacao plants that showed tolerance towards the disease.

By sourcing these plants and incorporating their special genetic properties into a modern breeding program, Mars has paved the way for a recovery of this important regional industry. Today, the Mars Center for Cocoa Science serves as a hub for world class science and collaboration. Leading our effort on cocoa breeding, developing multifunctional cacao agroforestry systems, studying the complexity of working in biodiverse rich environments and rehabilitating abandoned land, the MCCS brings together the commitment of cocoa as a force for social change, economic stability and environmental stewardship for the benefit of cocoa farmers throughout the world.

Key facts

• Through cooperation with the local farmers and scientific community, Mars develops and shares best practices in cocoa production, distributes selected cocoa planting materials, investigates new methods to control pests and disease and discovers new ways to improve the quality of cocoa.
• By 1994 Witches’ Broom had wiped out 75% of the Brazilian cocoa crop.  Through our work at the Mars Center for Cocoa Science, we have helped maintain the Brazilian cocoa industry. Although still below its peak, Brazil now produces about 175,000 metric tonnes of cocoa a year.
• Cacao agroforestry is an approach to farming that uses the interactive benefits of combining trees, shrubs and annual crops. These systems provide diversified, sustainable land use options. As such, Mars is utilizing agroforestry techniques to increase farmers’ yields, crop portfolios and incomes throughout South America and the rest of the tropical world.