Nestlé confectionery and biscuits in UK and Ireland to be made of 100% sustainable cocoa

Beginning in January 2016, the complete range of Nestlé UK & Irelandchocolate confectionery and biscuits sold in the UK and Ireland, including Kitkat, Milkybar, Aero, Quality Street, After Eight and Smarties will be produced using 100% certified sustainable cocoa.

The cocoa is sourced through the Nestlé Cocoa Plan, which was launched in 2009 with an aim to bolster profitability and sustainability of farms, improve the social conditions of local farmers, and build a sustainable supply of high-quality cocoa for Nestlé.

Nestlé UK & Ireland managing director for confectionery Andrew McIver said: "In achieving this landmark milestone, Nestlé UK & Ireland is demonstrating its 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. Consumers here in the UK can enjoy their favourite products with the confidence that they are made with cocoa that comes from 100 per cent certified sustainable sources".

Nestlé UK & Ireland works with UTZ Certified and the Fairtrade Foundation for independent certification that the cocoa is sourced and produced sustainably on farms.

The UTZ programme is intended to improve producers’ lives while offering a cost-efficient sustainability programme to the industry.

Farmers under the UTZ programme are trained to grow better crops, generate more income, create opportunities for their families, and safeguard the environment.

Presently, UTZ certified coffee, cocoa and tea is harvested in 37 countries, and sold in 135 countries around the world.

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."

Supporting small scale farmers, the Fairtrade Foundation through standards and certification provides direct and indirect support to producers.

The Fairtrade Foundation CEO Michael Gidney said: "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 KITKAT 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."

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Image: Nestle to make its chocolates from 100% sustainable cocoa from January 2016. Photo: Courtesy of Mister GC/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.