Kit Kat goes Fairtrade in the UK and Ireland
December 7, 2009
Kit Kat goes Fairtrade in the UK and Ireland
SUPPLYING DEMAND: UK consumers are increasingly interested in how Nestlé source and manufacture their favourite products. The Fairtrade certification allows Nestlé to communicate on its sustainable cocoa initiatives, that benefit the farmers and their futures.
The Fairtrade Foundation, established in 1992, is the independent non-profit organisation that ensures disadvantaged farmers and workers in developing countries get a better deal.
The UK Fairtrade certification is one example of Nestlé’s global commitment to promote sustainable cocoa production and support farmers and cocoa farming communities through The Cocoa Plan.
This new CHF 110m initiative – announced in October – brings together Nestlé’s activity to promote sustainable cocoa supply under one banner. The Cocoa Plan forms part of the CHF 460 million investment by Nestlé over the next 10 years to boost sustainability initiatives in cocoa and coffee.
David Rennie, managing director for Nestlé Confectionery, said: “Nestlé sells more Kit Kats in the UK than anywhere else in the world and I am delighted that following the global launch of The Cocoa Plan, Kit Kat - our leading confectionery brand - will now be Fairtrade certified in the UK and Ireland. “UK consumers are increasingly interested in how we source and manufacture their favourite products and certifying our largest and most iconic brand is one of the ways in which we are committing to improving the lives of as many cocoa farming families as possible.”
Nestlé has been working in Côte d’Ivoire – one of the poorest countries in the world – for over 50 years. The Fairtrade certification of Kit Kat will facilitate long-term direct commitments to cocoa co-operatives in Côte d’Ivoire, including additional payments for the farmers to invest in community or business development projects of their own choice, such as improving healthcare and schools.
The Cocoa Plan will also benefit Ivorian farmers by offering Nestlé’s agricultural and scientific know-how to improve the quality and yield of cocoa plants, offer farmer training and education, while improving the social conditions for farmers and their communities.
Related information:Nestlé UK website 
Fairtrade website Nestlé Cocoa Plan website In the news:December 7, 2009 - The Independent
Have a break – have an ethical Kit Kat December 7, 2009 - The Times
Kit Kat develops taste for Fairtrade December 7, 2009 - The Guardian
Big break for Fairtrade as Kit Kat receives certification