Feb. 7 - Mars, Inc., Nestlé and ECOM Agroindustrial have joined the UTZ CERTIFIED – Good Inside Cocoa Program to work towards sustainability in mainstream cocoa production. These three companies join Cargill, Heinz Benelux, Ahold and Solidaridad, who announced the start of this program in October 2007. The initiative is also supported by Oxfam Novib.
The UTZ CERTIFIED – Good Inside Cocoa Program will implement a credible certification system for mainstream cocoa production to enable the industry and consumers to know their cocoa is produced in a sustainable and responsible manner. This will be achieved by strengthening the capacity of farmer groups and through independent certification of improved agricultural, social and environmental practices.
Frank Pronk, Executive Director of UTZ CERTIFIED: “We are very pleased that Mars, Nestlé and ECOM have joined the program, as they are important players in the cocoa industry. We believe that UTZ CERTIFIED’s experience in mainstream coffee certification and traceability, and the experience and commitment of all the organisations involved, will enable us to work towards a more sustainable cocoa sector.”
The program partners are currently working on the development of a Code of Conduct for sustainable cocoa production, together with different stakeholders from the cocoa industry and local and international non-governmental organisations. A representative team has travelled to Côte d’Ivoire to better understand local conditions and challenges. The sustainability criteria in the Code of Conduct will be put into practice in that country through pilot projects in 2008 and early 2009. In the following years, UTZ CERTIFIED plans to test and roll out the certification program in other cocoa producing countries. The first “Good Inside” cocoa is expected to be available in the second half of 2009.
The UTZ CERTIFIED – Good Inside Cocoa Program continues to actively seek co-operation with other interested companies and stakeholders in the cocoa supply chain. Other partners are invited to join the program and participate in the pilot phase to further define the program.
About UTZ CERTIFIED
Since 2002, UTZ CERTIFIED sets the world standard for professional coffee growing and sourcing with care for local communities and the environment. UTZ CERTIFIED cooperatives, estate farms and producer groups comply with the UTZ Code of Conduct and are annually inspected by independent third party auditors. As an independent international non-profit organization, UTZ CERTIFIED is a credible instrument for coffee farmers, cooperatives and producer groups to show their buyers that their coffee is produced in a professional way, with socially and environmentally appropriate growing practices and efficient farm management. In addition, it provides roasters and brands a tool to incorporate and credibly demonstrate responsible sourcing practices for their entire coffee range. UTZ CERTIFIED is expanding into other commodities, like cocoa, with the ambition to become the leading certification and traceability program for these commodities as well in the coming years.
About Mars, Inc.
A family owned company, Mars, Incorporated produces some of the world’s leading confectionery, food, pet food, health and beverage brands, and operates in more than 65 countries. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Mars, Inc. employs close to 40,000 associates worldwide with 100 manufacturing facilities globally. In Europe, Mars, Inc. employs more than 15,000 associates. The company owns some of the world’s favourite brands including MARS®, M&M'S®, SNICKERS®, DOLMIO®, UNCLE BEN'S®, PEDIGREE® Brand Food for Dogs and WHISKAS® and SHEBA® Brand Food for Cats. The company’s global sales exceed USD 21bn. annually.
About Nestlé
Nestlé, with headquarters in Vevey, Switzerland was founded in 1866 by Henri Nestlé and is today the world's biggest food and beverage company. Sales for 2006 were CHF 98.5 bn, with a net profit of CHF 9 bn. We employ around 265,000 people and have factories or operations in almost every country in the world. The Company's strategy is guided by several fundamental principles. Nestlé's existing products grow through innovation and renovation while maintaining a balance in geographic activities and product lines. Long-term potential is never sacrificed for short-term performance. The Company's priority is to bring the best and most relevant products to people, wherever they are, whatever their needs, throughout their lives.
About ECOM Agroindustrial
From a family owned cotton trading company which started operations in Barcelona in 1849, ECOM Agroindustrial Corporation Ltd. has grown into a global commodity company. ECOM is headquartered in Switzerland with sourcing operations primarily in agricultural commodities such as cotton, coffee and cocoa, in 26 different countries and with sales worldwide. ECOM has hands-on involvement in commodity origination and processing, which enables it to offer value-added services and also control risk throughout the value chain. Ecom has a strong commitment to sustainable agricultural development and the provision of extension services to producers.