Mars Wrigley has said that, from next year, all the cocoa used in its European production will be 100% responsibly sourced.
The move is a key part of the confectionery giant’s Cocoa for Generations Strategy, which was established in 2018 with the aim of delivering real, lasting positive change across the supply chain for future generations. It focuses on the critical issues that need to be addressed for cocoa farming families to thrive, taking action to help protect children, preserve forests, and improve farmer income.
Benjamin Guilbert, Vice President Procurement at Mars Wrigley Europe, CIS & Turkey, commented: “Achieving 100% responsibly sourced cocoa for our European factories will be a huge milestone for the business. Cocoa is key to our global chocolate brands and to the livelihoods of an estimated 350,000 cocoa farmers in our supply chain. As one of the world’s largest buyers of cocoa, we have a responsibility to help drive positive, long-lasting, systemic impact to support the farmers and communities in our supply chain.”
Mars Wrigley is on track to reach its global goal of 100% of its cocoa being sourced through its Responsible Cocoa programme and traceable to first point of purchase by 2025. As of the end of 2021, 61% of the company’s global cocoa was sourced through the programme, with 44% of its global supply traceable to farm boundaries from first point of purchase.
