Horses bring Brits’ Christmas coffee and chocolate - but what about their welfare?

As the UK heads into peak coffee and chocolate season in the run-up to Christmas, consumer research reveals that while Brits care deeply about ethical sourcing, most remain unaware of the hidden role horses and mules play in getting their favourite treats from farm to shelf. 

A new YouGov poll commissioned by Brooke reveals a gap between consumer intention and industry transparency - sparking fresh calls to ensure the UK’s booming coffee and cocoa imports do not come at cost to animal welfare. 

While 77% of GB adults say they’re aware of where their coffee comes from, and 74% say the same for chocolate, fewer than 6 in 10 (59%) know that animals are routinely used to transport coffee cherries and cacao pods in producing countries.  

Awareness drops even lower among 18–24s (55%), despite the demographic being among the fastest-growing consumers of barista-made coffee. 

Crucially, concern is high: 

• 82% say animal welfare standards are important when buying coffee or chocolate. 

• 85% prioritise fair wages for farmers. 

• 65% would pay more for coffee and/or chocolate products guaranteeing good animal welfare during transport. 

• Over 55% would support an “equine-welfare” stamp on their coffee or chocolate. 

Women (71%) and younger adults (25-34 years, 72%) are the most willing to pay more for animal-friendly certification. 

Horses and mules are essential to coffee and cacao production in many countries - none more so than Nicaragua, one of the world’s top 15 coffee-producing nations and the largest cacao producer in Central America. In remote areas where transport is unaffordable or impractical, working equines remain the only way to move produce from mountainous farms to central collection points. 

But long hours, steep terrain, heavy loads and limited access to veterinary care mean the animals are often at risk of injury, exhaustion and preventable disease. 

Brooke’s Global Head of Policy and Advocacy, Anna Marry, said: “Without horses and mules, much of the coffee and cacao exported globally simply couldn’t reach markets.  

“These animals are the invisible workforce behind products Brits enjoy every day. The good news is that with training, veterinary access and simple changes in handling, working equines can live healthier lives - and farmers can increase productivity.  

“Brooke is helping to improve this in Nicaragua right now, and we ask consumers to support animal-friendly brands and retailers as best they can.”  

Brooke has partnered with Nicaraguan farming communities to improve harnessing, load management, veterinary access and sustainable business skills. 

Our stories include: 

• Farmer José and his son Lester transformed the welfare of their horse El Rojito after Brooke’s training, shifting from heavy, traditional practices to gentle, trust-based care supported by regular vet treatment. This keeps both animals and coffee production healthier. 

• Irma and her husband Eliú have improved the welfare of their horse Azul Azu (essential for transporting their cacao and supporting the family’s daily life) after Brooke-supported training helped them adopt gentle, preventative care that keeps both the animal and their livelihood thriving. 

The UK is experiencing a coffee consumption boom in 2025, with sales of speciality blends and at-home machines hitting record highs. At the same time, UK shoppers are demanding clearer labels, and the food sector is under pressure to demonstrate ethical supply-chain standards. 

With Christmas approaching - a key sales period for chocolate, speciality gifting, and premium coffee - Brooke is calling on retailers and manufacturers to: 

• Acknowledge the role of working animals in their supply chains. 

• Adopt and promote best-practice animal welfare, including humane load limits and access to trained animal health workers. 

• Provide clearer labelling so consumers can consciously choose welfare-guaranteed products. 

• Look for ethical or animal welfare certifications on chocolate and coffee product labels. 

• Support brands actively investing in animal welfare in their supply chain. 

• Back Brooke’s work, which equips farming communities with the skills and tools needed to protect working equines. 

• Ask retailers how they ensure animal-friendly transport of coffee and cacao. 

• Consider purchasing organic products, why typically include higher animal welfare standards.