"Learning Actions" Support Children in Cocoa-Producing Countries: Morinaga Confectionery Launches '1 Choco for 1 Smile Summer Campaign 2026' Starting June 15, with Booth at 'Asobi Manabi Kagaku Lab' on July 19

Morinaga Confectionery Co., Ltd. (Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and COO: Shin'ya Mori) announces the launch of the '1 Choco for 1 Smile Summer Campaign 2026' (hereinafter 'the campaign') starting Monday, June 15, and running through Thursday, September 10. As part of this campaign, Morinaga will also operate the 'Morinaga 1 Choco for 1 Smile Booth' at the 'Asobi Manabi Kagaku Lab' event to be held on Sunday, July 19.

Now in its 18th year, the '1 Choco for 1 Smile' initiative has previously linked the purchase of designated products during events like Valentine’s Day to donations supporting improved educational environments for children in cocoa-producing countries such as Ghana. With a serious commitment to the future of chocolate and cocoa-producing regions, since fiscal year 2024, Morinaga has been promoting a more participatory, action-based donation model that respects the intentions of contributors.

Centered on the theme of 'The Future of Chocolate,' this summer campaign emphasizes active engagement and offers five distinct ways to participate:

<Five Ways to Participate>

① Attend an event: Visit the 'Morinaga Confectionery 1 Choco for 1 Smile Booth' at the 'Asobi Manabi Kagaku Lab'

② Take on a free research challenge: 'From the Cocoa-Producing Country to the Chocolate Factory: How One Chocolate Bean Becomes Chocolate'

③ Enter a contest: '2nd “Naruhodo Chocolate” Kabe Newspaper Contest'

④ Participate easily online: 'Chokotto Quiz'

⑤ Participate easily online: '1 Choco Beginner’s Guide'

We believe that learning about the 'value' and 'production process' of chocolate, as well as the challenges faced by cocoa-producing regions, through these educational activities will contribute to the sustainability of the cocoa industry and sow the seeds of smiles among children in cocoa-producing countries. 'We want to connect the smiles of chocolate consumers with the smiles of children learning in cocoa-producing countries—this is the heartfelt vision of Morinaga Confectionery.'