Tony’s Chocolonely earned a place on TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies of 2025 list, recognised for its bold mission to end exploitation in the cocoa industry. The Dutch chocolate maker joins a global list of businesses seleced for their extraordinary impact through innovation, ambition and purpose.

This recognition affirms Tony’s long-standing belief that business can, and should, be a force for good. It follows the company’s sixth consecutive top ranking in the Chocolate Scorecard, an independent industry assessment led by Be Slavery Free, Mighty Earth and other civil society organisations. The Scorecard evaluates companies on sustainability issues such as child labour, deforestation and farmer income, spotlighting leaders and holding others accountable.

Tony’s Chocolonely is tackling long-standing cocoa sector issues head-on. Through Tony’s Open Chain, it enables other brands to source cocoa ethically by granting access to its network of vetted partners – on the condition they adhere to core sourcing principles like 100 percent traceability, paying living-income reference prices and building long-term supplier relationships.

Rianne van Doeveren, General Manager of Tony’s Open Chain, said:

We should be competing on chocolate, competing on shelf, but we should be collaborating on cocoa and in the chain.”

The initiative is gaining momentum. Last year, six new companies joined as ‘Mission Allies’, bringing the total to 20. In the US, partners include Ben & Jerry’s and MrBeast’s Feastables.

Following the TIME announcement, Tony’s Chocolonely posted a full statement on linkedIn:

Influence was never the goal. Ending exploitation in the cocoa industry was, and still is, our mission.

But being named one of TIME100 Most Influential Companies is a powerful reminder that our mission is resonating far beyond the chocolate aisle.

At Tony’s, we aim to raise awareness, lead by example, and inspire others to act. This recognition isn’t just a celebration of what we’ve achieved, it’s a call to keep pushing for change across the cocoa industry.

We’re proud to prove that making delicious, damn tasty chocolate and running a responsible business can go hand in hand. And we’re even prouder to be part of a growing movement with over 20 Mission Allies across the globe that shows fairness, transparency and humanity should be at the heart of every supply chain.

Huge thanks to our incredible team and our partners for making this possible. And to TIME, for recognising that influence is most powerful when it’s used to make things better.”

TIME’s annual list was compiled with input from global correspondents, contributors and industry experts, with companies evaluated on factors such as success, ambition, innovation and global impact.

Other food and drink companies recognised this year include Walmart, Aldi, Poppi, Orkla Snacks and DoorDash.