From June, the cocoa used to produce the iconic chocolate bar will be sourced from Rainforest Alliance certified farms in Western Africa, with other products to follow in the next three years.
The move follows continued international pressure for Mars to source its cocoa beans from certified producers.
Mars Chocolate Australia general manager Michael Ryan said the company had been implementing sustainability measures for a number of years.
“Mars has been active in looking at cocoa sustainability for a long time, but in recent years it’s significantly ramped up its action on boosting sustainable activities and investing about $10 million globally each year,” Mr Ryan said.
“Now we’re taking it to a new level and that’s why we’ve announced a new partnership with Rainforest Alliance.”
Mr Ryan said Mars was working with 300,000 farmers in the Ivory Coast as well as farmers in Ghana, Vietnam, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
“When Mars made the announcement less than two per cent of cocoa was certified, but now we’re working directly with a whole range of farmers to bring that up rapidly.”
Rainforest Alliance certification is a sustainable farming program aimed at helping farmers negotiate more effectively in the global market place, reduce environmental impact and ensure workers’ rights are protected.
Mars will buy 1150 tonnes of Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa beans in 2011.
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Source: The Courier
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