Mars pledges responsibly sourced cocoa

October 5, 2022

As of 2023, 100% of the cocoa sourced for its factory operations in Europe will be responsibly sourced, Mars Wrigley announced. The announcement was made at an interactive cocoa exhibition in Paris which showcased cocoa from growing the beans to Mars’ latest innovations.

This announcement means the company will be purchasing a volume of responsibly sourced cocoa equivalent to the volumes used in its European production. ‘Responsibly sourced cocoa’ refers to sourcing cocoa originating from farms which benefit from its Responsible Cocoa program.

Cocoa for products such as Snickers, M&Ms, Mars, Maltesers and others will be 100% responsibly sourced from 2023. The move to use responsibly sourced cocoa is part of the company’s Cocoa for Generations Strategy, which was first published in 2018 and aims to bring real change to the supply generation for future generations. It focuses on issues needing to be addressed for cocoa farming families, protecting children, preserving forests and improving income.

“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,” explained Benjamin Gulbert, Vice President Procurement at Mars Wrigley Europe, CIS & Turkey. “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.”

The company reports it is currently on track to reach its goal of 100% of its cocoa being sourced by 2023, and being traceable by 2025. As of 2021, 61% of its cocoa was sourced through the Responsible Cocoa program and 44% of its global supply is traceable from first point of purchase.

“We know there is much more work to be done, but we are determined to continue working in collaboration with key partners to create a modern, inclusive, and sustainable cocoa supply chain – one where the environment is protected, human rights are respected, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” concluded Inge Jacobs, Senior Director of Human Rights and Social Impact at Mars Wrigley Global.

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