Tesco switches to sustainable cocoa for own-brand products in time for Easter

The Rainforest Alliance is committed to supporting cocoa-growing communities increase farmer income while conserving the environment and wildlife

Tesco began the switch to Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa back in 2016 and now purchases cocoa from farms deemed sustainability and responsible for own-brand UK chocolate products such as biscuits, cakes, Easter Eggs and cereals.

Tesco’s responsible sourcing director Giles Bolton said: “For many of our customers Easter is a time to enjoy some chocolate and we want them to be reassured that our cocoa is sourced responsibly, and we treat our farmers and growers well.

“Our collaboration with the Rainforest Alliance will help us support farmers to improve their livelihoods and protect the environment, while also offering our customers quality, sustainable and affordable products. This is just one of a number of initiatives that illustrate what we are doing to address the environmental and sustainability challenges facing our shoppers, colleagues, suppliers, and communities.”

All Tesco products that do contain Rainforest Alliance Certified cocoa will now carry the Rainforest Alliance green frog symbol in recognition, while branding will also appear in Tesco’s new television commercial.

The move forms part of Tesco’s commitment to sustainable sourcing. Last year, for example, the supermarket partnered with WWF on a partnership aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the average UK shopping basket by 50%.

Before the partnership launch, WWF’s Living Planet report revealed that humanity has wiped out 60% of mammals, birds, fish and reptiles since 1970, leading experts to warn that the annihilation of wildlife is now an emergency that threatens civilisation.

Little Helps

As for the Rainforest Alliance, its certification scheme provides a blanket conservation of entire landscapes, covering rainforests, pastoral land, farms and carbon sinks, in priority regions such as India, Indonesia, Guatemala and Ghana. It is committed to supporting cocoa-growing communities to help increase farmer income while conserving the environment and wildlife.

“Tesco has been a strong partner for the Rainforest Alliance in cocoa and other commodities for many years,” the Rainforest Alliance’s chief markets office Alex Morgan said.

“Through sourcing commitments, programmes like the Little Helps Plan, and outreach to consumers, Tesco is helping drive awareness and impact of sustainable sourcing in very meaningful ways.”

The Rainforest Alliance has already worked with supermarkets Aldi and Lidl to ensure the responsible sourcing of bananas in the UK.

Matt Mace