Nestlé has announced the launch of a new chocolate brand, Sustainably Sourced, which will feature cocoa certified by the Rainforest Alliance. The new confectionery line will be available in airports worldwide starting this summer, as per the company’s statement.
Key Highlights:
- Global Availability: The new chocolate brand, Sustainably Sourced, will be rolled out in airports across the globe, targeting a diverse international audience.
- Certified Cocoa: The chocolates are made using cocoa that is certified by the Rainforest Alliance and sourced through Nestlé’s long-standing sustainability initiative, the Nestlé Cocoa Plan.
- Sustainability Focus: The initiative aims to reduce the environmental footprint and connect with consumers who prioritize sustainable products.
As Nestlé expands its sustainability efforts, the global launch in airport retail spaces serves to educate a broad spectrum of consumers about its environmental initiatives. By positioning the new chocolate brand in airports, Nestlé aims to raise awareness among international travellers, leveraging the momentum behind the growing demand for sustainable products. According to ForwardKeys 2022 Mindset research cited by Nestlé, 71% of travellers consider sustainability when making purchasing decisions in travel retail.
The chocolates will be sold in recyclable paper pouches, similar to other Nestlé brands like Smarties, which have already transitioned to paper packaging. This move reinforces the brand’s commitment to environmental stewardship and enhances the consumer’s perception of the product as eco-friendly.
“Through creative branding, we provide transparency on the cocoa’s origin used in our chocolate. It helps us raise awareness about our long-term commitments to supporting cocoa-farming families and the sustainability of cocoa production,” said Aura Sanchez, Head of Marketing at Nestlé Travel Retail.
The Nestlé Cocoa Plan, initiated 15 years ago, aims to improve the livelihoods of cocoa-farming communities, enhance social conditions for families, and promote sustainable cocoa production. To date, the program has engaged with over 170,000 families. The new chocolate brand will feature packaging that educates consumers about this initiative and its partnership with the Rainforest Alliance.
The launch of sustainably sourced chocolates is part of Nestlé’s broader strategy to integrate sustainability into its products. In 2022, Nescafé, Nestlé’s largest coffee brand, committed over $1 billion to sustainable coffee sourcing. Additionally, in January, Nestlé introduced the first KitKat made with fully traceable cocoa sourced from the farming families it supports.
Cocoa production has faced scrutiny due to challenges such as fluctuating prices, low farmer incomes, child labour, and climate change. These issues have prompted significant industry players to enhance their sustainability efforts.
Recent Initiatives by Competitors:
- Hershey announced plans to achieve full sourcing visibility for its cocoa supply chain in the Ivory Coast and Ghana by 2025. Hershey’s Cocoa For Good strategy, launched six years ago, aims to address social and environmental challenges in cocoa farming.
- Barry Callebaut and Mars Wrigley: Both companies have established sustainability programs to support the cocoa industry.
Nestlé’s introduction of the Sustainably Sourced chocolate brand underscores the company’s dedication to sustainability and responsible sourcing. As the demand for sustainable products grows, Nestlé and other industry leaders are positioning themselves to meet consumer expectations and drive positive change in the global cocoa supply chain.