In this post, we share a simple but often overlooked strategy to make a problem smaller. In this case, the problem is inequality in the cocoa supply chains.

This is not an endorsement of Tony's Chocolonely or its products, nor do we consider it a post-growth business example. However, we still believe we can use them as a case for how a company can scale its impact without growing its size. 

The go-to strategy to create a bigger impact often focuses on growth.

Growing the company's size often means expanding the organization, increasing output and turnover, increasing headcount, and maximizing reach. 

This results in more products, more materials, more packaging, more transport, and more waste.

Then there is the question of time. Scaling a business often takes a long time, and along the way, actions with profit as the primary goal tend to be prioritized. Often because of the typical KPI's in the organization.

Tony's Open Chain

Tony's Open Chain initiative enables other brands to source cocoa beans that align with Tony's 5 principles. It makes it easy for other companies to onboard and implement their sourcing model.

Today, 15 companies have joined, proving that it's possible to make a problem smaller without growing company size. The scale of responsibly sourced cocoa beans exceeds the amount Tony's would be able to do by themself.