Mars Chocolate Australia has announced that it will source enough Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa to cover the production of its iconic Mars Bar, which will bear the Rainforest Alliance treefrog logo. The move follows Cadbury’s switch last year, when the company began purchasing enough Fairtrade cocoa to cover the production of its Dairy Milk blocks. Mars Chocolate Australia said that chocolate lovers want to know that their special treat not only tastes delicious, but has been produced... ...Read more »

Sara Lee Corp has announced a new five-year initiative aiming to triple its purchases of sustainable coffee, expand partner programs and support the market for sustainable tea. The company, currently divesting itself of many of its product lines to focus on its coffee business, is speculated to be considering splitting its coffee and processed meats businesses. “Sara Lee’s long-term goal is to use only certified coffee and tea in all products worldwide, and this new aggressive five-year plan... ...Read more »

Choice magazine has assessed the top ten independent endorsement labels in Australia, putting each certification through its paces on transparency, consumer friendliness, conflict-of-interest management, stakeholder engagement, equitable participation and verifiability of compliance. The ten programs reviewed were: Australian Certified Organic (ACO) National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia (NASAA) certified organic Fairtrade GI symbol National Heart Foundation tick Organic Growers... ...Read more »

The world’s largest maker of bulk chocolate, Barry Callebaut, has confirmed a marked increase in the demand for certified cocoa and chocolate products as a number of the world’s largest confectionery players begin showing support for Fairtrade and other certification. Strong consumer demand for ‘responsibly produced chocolate’ lies at the basis of the growth, the Swiss-based group added. Barry Callebaut said they welcomed this evolution and expects the sale of certified products... ...Read more »

Kraft Foods has said that its premium Cote d’Or chocolate brand will convert to the use of sustainable cocoa beans. Beginning in France and Belgium, Cote d’Or dark chocolate will contain cocoa sourced from farms that meet Rainforest Alliance sustainability standards. This programme will then be rolled out in the UK, Germany, Spain, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, the Netherlands, Canada and the United States. The brand will be the “first mainstream chocolate” to carry the Rainforest... ...Read more »

Mars, Incorporated, the producer of Snickers, M&M’s, Milky Way and Mars bars, has reported an aim to certify its entire cocoa supply as being produced in a sustainable manner by 2020. Mars, one of the world’s largest chocolate manufacturers, said that their commitment to sustainability was long-term, with tens of millions to be spent on annual certification. “As a leader in the pursuit of a sustainable global cocoa industry, Mars, Incorporated in line with its Five Principles,... ...Read more »