Lidl Belgium opts for sustainable cocoa

Lidl Belgium has chosen to source sustainably produced, UTZ CERTIFIED cocoa for its chocolate in all its supermarkets located in Belgium and Luxembourg.

Lidl is excited about the new agreement. "We greatly value corporate social responsibility. A sustainable assortment is also part of that," said spokesman Pieterjan Rynwalt. "With the UTZ label we are assured of the good quality, better prices for farmers and an environmentally conscious production. Because certain commodities are grown in other continents, it is not always easy to control the farming conditions." The retailer makes its own Fin Carré range now with UTZ CERTIFIED cocoa. The new Perle d'Or, Belgian praline chocolate, is also produced according to the standards of the UTZ CERTIFIED label.

"We are pleased that Lidl joined our program and purchases UTZ cocoa for its range. Consumers therefore have the opportunity to enjoy chocolate with sustainably produced cocoa," said Han de Groot, Executive Director of UTZ CERTIFIED.

By focusing on the adoption of agro-ecological practices and the eradication of the worst forms of exploitation of manpower in farms, the UTZ Certified label is embedded in the sustainable trade system, which does not fully cover the criteria set for fair trade and organic farming (but is related to these in many respects).

Strengthened by the partnerships set up with several major brands (Ikea, Mars, Nestlé, Heinz, etc.), the UTZ Certified label has succeeded in convincing both manufacturers and organisations that guarantee that these enterprises respect their commitments and apply minimal social and environmental rules in developing countries.

The main criticism about the UTZ Certified label regards the fact that it is one more label and that it adds to the confusion for consumers. Also, it allows larger enterprises to display a ‘sustainable’ image without however committing to a really fairer trade system for marginal producers.

Source : Trade for Development Centre