Nestlé reaches 100% sustainable cocoa target

From January 1 2016, the manufacturer’s entire range of chocolate confectionery and biscuits sold in the UK and Ireland will be produced using certified sustainable cocoa, sourced through the Nestlé Cocoa Plan.

Nestlé UK & Ireland md confectionery Andrew McIver said the achievement was a “landmark milestone” ​that underlined the firm’s long-term commitment to benefiting cocoa farmers and their communities. 

“The Nestlé Cocoa Plan is helping farmers to run profitable farms, support the elimination of child labour and ensure a sustainable supply of cocoa,” ​said McIver.

“Consumers here in the UK can enjoy their favourite products with the confidence that they are made with cocoa that comes from 100% certified sustainable sources.”​

Safe working conditions​

Nestlé works with both UTZ Certified and the Fairtrade Foundation for independent certification to ensure its cocoa was sourced and produced sustainably on farms with safe working conditions.

UTZ certified farmers were trained to grow better crops, generate more income and create opportunities for their families whilst safeguarding the environment, said the manufacturer.

Daan de Vries, UTZ Certified markets director, said sustainability should become the norm. “Nestlé’s commitment is a step towards that vision,” ​he said.

“By buying responsibly grown ingredients, Nestlé helps to improve farmers’ lives, while assuring a stable supply in a turbulent context of climate change and other big challenges.”​

‘Context of climate change’​

The Fairtrade Foundation ceo Michael Gidney said the organisation was pleased to be working in partnership with Nestlé to achieve 100% sustainable sourcing commitment in cocoa, through certification of its two and four-finger KitKat products.

“With the launch of the new Sustainable Development Goals – and their ambition to end poverty in all its forms everywhere by 2030 – businesses such as Nestlé working with Fairtrade to build more sustainable supply chains will be critical,” ​said Gidney.

“The secured price and social premium enabled through Fairtrade delivers real investment in community and farmer-led development in a future sustainable cocoa industry.”​

Nestlé predicted in August 2014 it would become the first top 10 confectionery manufacturer​ to hit the target of sourcing 100% sustainable cocoa target by the end of this year.

Launched in 2009, the Nestlé Cocoa Plan, aimed to improve the profitability and sustainability of farms, advance the social conditions for local people and in turn develop a sustainable supply of high quality cocoa for the manufacturer.