FLOCERT to verify Mondelēz's cocoa program
Mondelēz adds further third party verification to Cocoa Life program
The Cadbury and Milka owner launched its $400m, ten-year Cocoa Life imitative in 2012, deisgned to boost productivity among cocoa farmers.
Last year, NGO STOP THE TRAFFIK accused Mondelēz of lagging behind its rivals by attempting to self-regulate child trafficking in the cocoa sector.
Later in 2014, Mondelēz said it would allow Harvard University to measure the impact of the Cocoa Life program every three years.
This week, the company said that FLORCERT will provide further verification by using a ‘tailor-made version’ of its FLOTIS reporting system to verify the quantities of cocoa grown under the Cocoa Life program and tyo validate whether premiums are paid to farmer organizations.
Cocoa processors' reactions
The partnership was welcomed by major cocoa processors Cargill and Barry Callebaut.
"As a cocoa and industrial chocolate supplier to Mondelez International, we have a key role implementing Cocoa Life, alongside non-profit and other partners," said Nicko Debenham, VP global cocoa sustainability at Barry Callebaut. "Verifying Cocoa Life's terms of trade will build farmers' confidence in the program and encourage them to participate."
Taco Terheijden, manager of sustainable cocoa at Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate added: "As defined in the Cargill approach we rate partnerships and transparency as critical components for a sustainable supply chain. This verification will strengthen our relationship by ensuring benefits flow to farmers."
