© Irene Scott/AusAID.
Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland has reached its goal of sourcing 100% certified sustainable cocoa for its chocolate confectionery and biscuits – becoming what it has claimed is “the first major confectionery company in the hospitality and foodservice sector to do so”.
From 1 January, all Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland confectionery brands, including Kit Kat and Aero, will be produced using certified sustainable cocoa, sourced through the Nestlé Cocoa Plan.
Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland managing director George Vezza said: “We’re very proud to have reached this landmark milestone, as part of our long-term commitment to making a real difference to cocoa farmers and their communities.
“The Nestlé Cocoa Plan is helping farmers to run profitable farms, support the elimination of child labour and ensure a sustainable supply of cocoa. Now the hospitality and foodservice industries can serve products with the confidence that they are made with cocoa that comes from 100% certified sustainable sources.”
As part of Nestlé UK & Ireland, Nestlé Professional works with both UTZ Certified and the Fairtrade Foundation for independent certification that the cocoa it uses is sourced and produced sustainably on farms with safe working conditions.
UTZ markets director Daan de Vries said: “Our vision at UTZ is that sustainability becomes the norm. Nestlé’s commitment is a step towards that vision. By buying responsibly grown ingredients, Nestlé helps to improve farmers’ lives, while assuring a stable supply in a turbulent context of climate change and other big challenges.”
Fairtrade Foundation chief executive officer Michael Gidney added: “The Fairtrade Foundation is pleased to be working in partnership with Nestlé to achieve 100% sustainable sourcing commitment in cocoa, through certification of their two- and four-finger Kit Kat products. With the launch of the new Sustainable Development Goals – and their ambition to end poverty in all its forms everywhere by 2030 – businesses such as Nestlé working with Fairtrade to build more sustainable supply chains will be critical. The secured price and social premium enabled through Fairtrade delivers real investment in community and farmer-led development in a future sustainable cocoa industry.”
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024