Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland has reached its goal of sourcing 100 per cent certified sustainable cocoa for its chocolate confectionery and biscuits – making it the first major confectionary company in the Hospitality and Foodservice sector to do so.
“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,” said George Vezza, Managing Director, Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland.
As part of Nestlé UK & Ireland, Nestlé Professional works with both UTZ Certified and the Fairtrade Foundation for independent certification that the cocoa is sourced and produced sustainably on farms with safe working conditions.
The UTZ program is designed to improve producers’ lives and offer a flexible and cost efficient sustainability program to the industry. UTZ certified farmers are trained to grow better crops, generate more income and create opportunities for their families whilst safeguarding the environment.
Daan de Vries, Markets Director at UTZ, 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.”
