All the cocoa required for Tesco’s private label chocolate products sold in the UK will be from Rainforest Alliance Certified sources by the end of 2018.
The retailer will also ensure the cocoa used in other Tesco UK products, such as biscuits, cakes, desserts and cereals, will be responsibly sourced by the same date.
The news follows a series of measures by Tesco designed to help build trusted and transparent partnerships with its suppliers and ensure more of its products are sourced sustainably.
Steps include guaranteed high-value contracts for British potato growers, sustainable farming programs for lamb farmers and producers of cheese, a Fair For Farmers Guarantee for fresh milk, and an extension of its partnership with the Marine Stewardship Council, resulting in the retailer offering 80 MSC-certified products to customers.
Tesco’s collaboration with the Rainforest Alliance and other sustainability programs will support cocoa-growing communities, help increase farmer income, safeguard soils and conserve wildlife. Customers will be able to recognise Rainforest Alliance Certified products by the inclusion of its frog seal on packaging.
By the end of 2018, all cocoa sourced for Tesco that goes into other products, including biscuits, cakes, desserts and cereals, will also be responsibly sourced. Cocoa will be sourced in accordance with a number of sustainability programs, including the Rainforest Alliance, UTZ, Cocoa Horizons and Fairtrade.
