Hershey exceeds sustainable cocoa goals in 2014

CONFECTIONERY giant Hershey Company said it is well on its way to meeting its goal of sourcing 100% of its cocoa supply from certified and sustainable cocoa farms by 2020, as 30% of its globally sourced cocoa in 2014 was independently certified and verified. This reflects an accelerated pace for achieving its target, prompting Hershey to announce a new target to source at least 50% certified cocoa by the end of 2015, and reaching its 2016 goal of 40 and 50% one year ahead of schedule. 

 

Hershey currently sources certified cocoa through three of the world’s largest and most recognized cocoa certifications: UTZ Certified, Fair Trade USA and Rainforest Alliance Certified™. 

 

“Sourcing sustainable cocoa is a key part of our 21st Century Cocoa Sustainability Strategy, which focuses on programs that improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers, their families and cocoa communities around the world,” said Terry O’Day, senior vice president and chief Supply Chain officer. 

 

Hershey’s initiatives are in alignment with the industry’s efforts to address the challenges in cocoa growing regions through the CocoaAction led by the World Cocoa Foundation. “Together, the cocoa and chocolate industry can bring training that helps improve livelihoods, gender equality and provide health and farm safety programs to benefit these communities,” Mr. O’Day also said.

 

In 2014, Hershey expanded its work with industry partners to build sustainable farm training through the Hershey Learn to Grow program in Ghana, Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire. More than 19,000 cocoa farmers in Cote d’Ivoire will be enrolled in agricultural and community training programs. These efforts have led to an increase in certified farms and verified sustainable cocoa, which will contribute to Hershey’ sourcing 100% cocoa that is certified and originates from sources that have been independently audited and verified for appropriate farming, labor and environmental practices.