Nestlé has announced that it will exclusively use cocoa obtained from sustainable sources for its KitKat brand from the first quarter of next year, becoming what it has claimed is “the first global chocolate brand” to do so.
KitKat already uses sustainably sourced cocoa that is accredited by independent third-party bodies in products sold in some markets, but this latest announcement will extend the programme worldwide to markets including the US.
The initiative, which coincides with the chocolate brand’s 80th birthday, is part of Nestlé’s commitment to source 150,000 tonnes of sustainably produced cocoa by 2017 through its Cocoa Plan.
Nestlé head of confectionery Sandra Martinez said: “We’re delighted to be a flag bearer for the industry, as the first global chocolate brand to announce such a move.
“Sustainable cocoa sourcing helps safeguard the livelihoods of farming communities and delivers higher quality cocoa beans. This announcement will only strengthen consumer trust in KitKat as a responsible brand.”
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