The Ferrero Group has topped global nature conservation organisation WWF’s latest annual palm oil buyers’ industry scorecard, attaining a 100% score for its performance in 2026, reports Neill Barston.

In total, there were some 190 companies approached across sectors, from leading retailers, to snacking, confectionery and chocolate businesses representing a broad cross section of industry.

Moreover, the palm oil industry has come in for specific focus in recent years, as issues surrounding transparency of operating, as well as key environmental sourcing policies come under the microscope ahead of EUDR deforestation legislation due to kick-in from the end of next month.

Concerningly, nearly half that total (90) of those approached failed to response to the study (47%) including Haribo, Mars, Kellogg Company, and General Mills among those firms that had opted not to engage with the research, which the WWF noted was linked to significant work that needed to be done across the sector’s transparency on a general level.

For its part, Ferrero scored a maximum 25 points out of 25, with ratings against company commitments, purchasing strategy, suppliers’ accountability,  traceability, corporate platforms, and work on the ground, forming an overall total for the respective organisations.

Second highest was Marks & Spencer’s, which gained 96%, with Co-Op close behind on 95%, with the Hershey Company next highest performing from the confectionery sector, rated just outside the top ten, gaining a high score of 90% with the WWF study, and Nestle gaining 82%.

Notably, while there were some strong results for the sweets and snacks sector, there were high profile businesses that fared less well, with pladis managing 69%, and the Barry Callebaut scoring 67%, indicating notable improvements were required, most notably on its purchasing practices, which were rated 3.5 out of 11, which was lower than many others in the wider food and drink sector. 

Progress made, despite lingering concerns

Significantly, the WWF asserted that this year’s scorecard had demonstrated some progress, with average scores rising from 61% (14.7) to 64% (16.1 points) out of a possible 25, meant that there was still more that the industry could do – especially in light of the major EUDR deforestation legislation due to take effect in less than two months after a two-year delay surrounding its implementation.

Commenting on its achievement, Ferrero stated that it welcomed the results of the scorecard, which cemented its place as a leading group among food-based manufacturers.

The company stated: “The assessment recognises our decades of work to promote good sourcing and agricultural practices, including public commitments on deforestation, conversion and human rights; RSPO-certified sourcing, supplier monitoring and traceability; and collaborative landscape initiatives contributing to meaningful change beyond our own supply chain.

This recognition encourages us to keep leading the way in palm oil sourcing by continuously strengthening our approach and working with partners across the value chain to support continued progress in palm oil production and sourcing.”

In its own reflections of the latest study, the WWF found some cause for cautious optimism, yet expressed alarm at the large number of companies that had not engaged with its work.

The organisation observed: “This year’s assessment also underscores the significant distance that remains for palm oil buyers to credibly demonstrate that they have established palm oil supply chains that are free of deforestation, ecosystem conversion, and human rights violations.

“Transparency remains essential: 90 of the 191 companies (47%) approached did not respond, limiting transparency and accountability in the sector.

“The urgency for action within the palm oil industry has never been greater. Unsustainable practices have fuelled biodiversity loss, deforestation, and climate change. With ambitious targets and pathways for conserving and restoring biodiversity over the next decade and beyond, there’s a clear mandate for accelerated corporate action. Palm oil buyers must translate promises into tangible measures to address these pressing issues. Time is of the essence, and we cannot afford further delays.”