Loacker confirms non-GM project verification commitment to transparent sourcing
Global confectionery brand Loacker has confirmed that it has gained non-GM project verification status, resulting in enhanced brand transparency, which will be applied to its Quadratini chocolate wafers and core classic flavours, writes Neill Barston.
The Italian-founded company, which has expanded its reach into core markets including the US, said that the moved underlined its commitment to using the best possible ingredients that are of certified origin and avoiding artificial flavours, added colours or preservatives within its product ranges.
Furthermore, its Alpine milk is completely non-GMO and is processed at their Dolomites Milk production plant. Hazelnuts, a cornerstone of Loacker’s specialties, are 100% Italian and roasted directly in-house. The company also sources cocoa and vanilla from carefully selected sustainable farm partners.
“We are thrilled to announce our Non-GMO Project verification status”, says Jenny Fernandez, VP of Marketing Loacker USA. “Our consumers know the high quality of Loacker ingredients and we’re happy to provide them with non-gmo options, as per their request.” More than 70 per cent of Americans say they don’t want genetically modified organisms in their food, according to a recent Consumer Reports National Research Center survey.
Loacker, which came under the spotlight in a special Confectionery Production interview, also recently conducted a survey in which Americans spoke on their want for indulgent, bite-sized, and healthier snacks. Among the categories (respondents could select multiple categories), 46% of participants mentioned wanting indulgent snacks, i.e. dark chocolate, crème biscuits, etc. Next, 42% of participants confirmed that bite-size treats were a favorite. When it comes to healthier snacks (i.e. no artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, non-GMO, etc.) 31% of participants pursued, when possible.
Quadratini checks the boxes for all three of these top ranked snacking priorities and proves that Americans can still choose high quality ingredients and healthier snacks while enjoying an indulgent treat. The Non-GMO Project Verification of the Loacker Quadratini and Classic On-the-Go (45 grams) target the better-for-you snack option. This verification offers the highest transparency about GMOs, which are now present in more than 80% of conventional processed food.
To ensure the high quality and traceability of all ingredients, Loacker has invested in long-term partnerships that provide fair working and living conditions for farmers. These partnerships support cocoa and vanilla farmers along with their communities in remote villages in Madagascar, Ecuador, and the Ivory Coast.
The Non-GMO Project Product Verification Program is North America’s most rigorous third-party verification for non-GMO food and products. Third-party verification is the highest quality system when it comes to product labeling and certifications because it ensures products have been comprehensively evaluated by an independent party for compliance. Independent inspectors and accredited testing laboratories are also part of the Non-GMO Project Verification process, as are ongoing, annual renewal requirements for Non-GMO Project Verified products.
