Confectioner Mars has said it will ensure that its cocoa supply is sourced from sustainable production systems by 2020.
By Ellie Duncan
The pledge comes along with increased concern for rising cocoa prices and falling supply.
However, the confectionery giant has agreed a multi-country partnership with the Rainforest Alliance. The company hopes the agreement will help it achieve certification for 100,000 metric tonnes of cocoa per annum.
Mars claims to be the biggest end-user buyer of cocoa globally and has said it will spend tens of millions of dollars annually on certifying its ethical cocoa.
Managing Director of Mars UK, Fiona Dawson, told the Financial Times: “Cocoa is a volatile commodity. We want to secure our long-term sourcing.”
Tensie Whelan, President of Rainforest Alliance, said he expected the decision to bring “measurable improvements in the quality of life for cocoa farmers”.