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Pip & Nut has become the first UK snack company to join Tony’s Open Chain, an initiative aimed at eradicating exploitation in cocoa supply chains.

This partnership will see Pip & Nut source cocoa exclusively for its chocolate nut butter cups through Tony’s Open Chain, ensuring that farmers receive the Living Income Reference Price.

As a Mission Ally of Tony’s Open Chain, Pip & Nut aligns with other notable brands such as Waitrose, Aldi, Ben & Jerry’s and Huel all committed to the initiative’s five sourcing principles.

These principles emphasise rigorous sourcing standards, robust traceability and the establishment of long-term partnerships with cocoa-producing cooperatives to foster sustainable farming communities.

🍫Earlier this year, FoodBev's editorial director Siân Yates travelled to the Ivory Coast in West Africa to learn more about the cocoa supply chain. Discover more about her experience here. 🍫

Pip & Nut has already banned palm oil from its products and sources 100% of its almonds from the Californian Almond Stewardship Programme. Additionally, the brand collaborates with FSA-accredited peanut suppliers to ensure responsible sourcing.

Pippa Murray, CEO and founder of Pip & Nut, said: “Joining Tony’s Open Chain is a natural progression for us, and we are proud to be the first UK snacking brand to become a Mission Ally".

She continued: "Our commitment is that all our cocoa will be sourced through the Open Chain, starting with our nut butter cups and extending to future chocolate products”.

Kitty Pandya, UK&I sales manager at Tony’s Open Chain, added: “Together, we can amplify our impact and drive meaningful change for cocoa farmers and their communities”.