Mars Goes Fair Trade
April 20, 2009 by Heather R.
Filed under Chocolate News, Chocolate Products
I wrote last month about Cadbury going Fair Trade, and Mars has announced this morning that they will also be buying from suppliers who meet certain environmental, labor and production standards.
Mars says that by 2020 all of their chocolate products will be made from sustainable sources. The move is part of their plan to secure a supply of cocoa, and by teaming up with Rainforest Alliance they aim to improve the yield of crops and ensure that the practices of farmers don’t damage the environment.
Cocoa crops, from which 70% come from Africa, require pretty harsh working conditions which include unpredictable weather and degrading soil, and often involve child labor. Fair trade certified provides protections for farmers as well as fair prices for their crops.
The move will start in the UK with the Mars Galaxy Bar which is sold Britain and Ireland.
Just a quick correction, Rainforest Alliance Certification isn’t the same thing as Fair Trade Certification.
They have different standards, monitoring mechanisms, and even objectives.
That is good news!