Mars seeks fully segregated global cocoa supply chain by 2030
An ambitious target has been set by Mars.,Incorporated to ensure a fully segregated global cocoa supply chain by 2030, which it has based upon its existing sector engagement programmes for the sector, reports Neill Barston.
As Confectionery Production magazine has previously reported, the confectionery giant’s $1 billion sustainable in a generation initiative has in recent years, looked to shake-up its policies to bring even greater benefit to those working with its direct supply chain.
Its latest sector drive builds on its existing commitment to its Responsibly Sourced Cocoa Program, and comes in the wake of the major legislation reform under the EUDR environmental legislation governing deforestation linked to industrial activity. This will mean that companies will have to prove their activities are not actively worsening rates at which forests are being lost.
Under a segregated global cocoa supply chain, Mars will be able to make products only using cocoa which has been produced and sourced from farms participating in the Mars Responsibly Sourced Cocoa Program or which meet the cocoa certifications standards of Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance and other certification bodies approved by Mars.
As the business noted, the venture is anticipated to ensure that it will have greater visibility through its suppliers to the farming organizations and farmers who provide cocoa for Mars products and will be able to better support those suppliers and their farming organisations and farmers in helping advance respect for human rights and preserving the environment.
Further, this ambition enables Mars to help tackle environmental issues, such as deforestation, on its journey to achieving its goal of reaching Net Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the company’s full value chain by 2050, and halving emissions by 2030 as outlined in Mars’ Net Zero Roadmap published last year.
Cocoa policy
Over the next five years, Mars will be working to purchase cocoa produced by specific farms that participate in the Mars Responsibly Sourced Cocoa Programme or which meet the cocoa certifications standards of Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance and other certification bodies approved by Mars and keep that cocoa physically segregated from cocoa from other sources.
It will also look to convert the physically segregated cocoa into cocoa ingredients for Mars and keep those cocoa ingredients physically segregated from cocoa ingredients converted from other sources of cocoa. As part of the initiative, the business will deliver the physically segregated cocoa ingredients to Mars factories for use in making Mars chocolate and finished products.
Harper McConnell, Global Vice President of Cocoa Sustainability at Mars (see our exclusive feature with her here), welcomed the company’s ongoing progress. She commented: “The move to a segregated global cocoa supply chain is a significant undertaking that builds on our years of investment in our responsibly sourced cocoa program. It will enable us to target interventions providing more focused support for cocoa growing communities in our supply chain. This ambition is part of a holistic, long-term approach by Mars to contribute towards the development of a modern, inclusive and sustainable cocoa ecosystem around the globe.”
The company’s cocoa strategy over the next five years aims to Support a modern, profitable, and highly productive cocoa farming system driven by scientific innovations. As part of this it seeks to prioritise inclusivity where everyone – especially women and children – have access and opportunities to achieve prosperity.
Support a sustainable cocoa supply chain where the planet’s resources are responsibly managed and more resilient to absorb shocks and stresses.
