On track to meet target
Nestlé UK & Ireland has announced it is on target to achieve 100 per cent cocoa from sustainable sources by the end of 2015.
By working with UTZ Certified and the Fairtrade Foundation, more than 60 per cent of cocoa purchased by Nestlé UK & Ireland already comes from certified farms working with the Nestlé Cocoa Plan.
This year alone, certified cocoa will be sourced for brands such as Quality Street, Toffee Crisp, Munchies Blue Riband and Breakaway. In 2013, Nestlé UK & Ireland bought certified cocoa for Smarties, Yorkie and Aero. Four and two finger KitKat became certified in 2010 and 2012 respectively.
Andrew McIver, confectionery managing director, Nestlé UK & Ireland says: “Nestlé UK & Ireland is set to be the first to reach this landmark goal, making a real difference to farmers and their communities. For Quality Street, Nestlé has started purchasing certified cocoa and these products will be on the shelves in time for Christmas this year. This means we are on track to reach 100 per cent by the end of 2015.”
In 2009, Nestlé announced that over the next 10 years it would invest CHF 110 million into plant science and sustainability initiatives as part of its broader Nestlé Cocoa Plan, which was developed to support small scale cocoa farmers around the world. Those who benefit include farmers in the Ivory Coast, one of the poorest countries in the world, but the source of 40 per cent of the world’s cocoa. UTZ Certified and The Fairtrade Foundation are both partners of the Nestlé Cocoa Plan. In addition, Nestlé is a member of Fair Labor Association and work collaboratively with it to investigate whether children are working on cocoa farms that are supplying its factories.
UTZ certification is awarded to farmers who have been trained to grow better crops, generate more income and create opportunities while safeguarding the environment and natural resources. Monitored by independent third parties, the farms and businesses involved must ensure sound agricultural practices, safe and healthy working conditions, and must not use child labour.
