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, is working towards developing and advancing sustainable cocoa farming systems for the millions of small holder farmers involved with cocoa production. Our commitment to sustainability is serious and long-term, and this announcement is a major step towards our global commitment to purchase only cocoa that is certified as being produced in a sustainable manner,” said Paul S. Michaels, Mars CEO and President. “We are determined to put our principles into action, restoring cocoa supply for the next generation.”

The Rainforest Alliance, an international, not-for-profit organisation, will team with Mars in a multi-year, multi-country collaboration. By 2020, the goal of the collaboration is to achieve Rainforest Alliance certification of 100,000 metric tonnes of cocoa annually for use in Mars products, a significant portion of Mars total cocoa requirements.

“The move by Mars to Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa shows a real commitment to sustainable farming,” Tensie Whelan, President of the Rainforest Alliance, suggested. “When companies with the scale and heritage of Mars show this level of leadership, the results are measurable improvements in the quality of life for cocoa farmers, their families and communities, and a cleaner, greener environment for all of us.”

Last month, Cadbury pledged to achieve Fairtrade certification for their Dairy Milk products in the UK and Ireland.

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