Mars Chocolate and The Fairtrade Foundation have announced that they are extending their global cocoa partnership with a commitment to source Fairtrade certified cocoa for all Mars Bars in the UK and Ireland by autumn this year.
Mars is the first UK company to announce a commitment under the new Fairtrade Cocoa Sourcing Programme, which specifically aims to deliver more opportunities for cocoa farmers to sell on Fairtrade terms and connect them with businesses that actively support efforts to improve farmer livelihoods.
Blas Maquivar, President, Mars Chocolate UK, is proud that Mars Bar is at the forefront of Fairtrade’s new Cocoa Sourcing Programme. He said: “It’s a crucial next step in our global commitment to certify that 100% of our cocoa has been produced in a sustainable manner by 2020.”
Mike Gidney, Chief Executive of The Fairtrade Foundation, commented: “Cocoa farmers constantly tell us they’re anxious to sell more of their crops on Fairtrade terms, and we know how it can start to change their lives when they receive fairer rewards for their efforts. That’s why we launched the Fairtrade Cocoa Sourcing Programme, and to have Mars leading the way is fantastic news.”
