FERRERO CELEBRATES WORLD CHOCOLATE DAY WITH OVER 3 MILLION TREES PLANTED IN COCOA-GROWING AREAS

• Ferrero marks World Chocolate Day on 7 July with update on sustainability and social initiatives in West Africa
• Ferrero recently released its third annual report on the Cocoa and Forests Initiative (CFI), distributing 2 million trees in 2020-21 to address deforestation
• Ferrero uses cocoa that is 100% certified and 96% traceable to farm level

 Ahead of World Chocolate Day on Thursday 7 July, Ferrero is proud to celebrate several critical achievements in sustainability, including significant reforestation efforts across West Africa where much of the cocoa that Australians enjoy in Ferrero products is grown.

In partnership with the Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana governments and leading cocoa organisations, Ferrero has published its third annual report showcasing the progress of the Cocoa & Forests Initiative (CFI) – a comprehensive programme of projects to help end deforestation and preserve valuable forests.

While the global COVID-19 pandemic presented enormous challenges for cocoa farmers and suppliers, many important goals were achieved; Ferrero has now distributed 3 million trees since commencing its CFI action plan in 2018, with 2 million trees in 2020-2021 alone, and has doubled its initial target for land covered by deforestation risk assessments in 2022. Over 500,000 trees were distributed for off-farm planting, helping to restore forests.

Massimo D’Ambrosio, Managing Director of Ferrero Australia and New Zealand, said: “Australians are seeking greater sustainability in the products they enjoy, so World Chocolate Day is a great opportunity to highlight Ferrero’s ongoing efforts to improve the lives of people in cocoa-growing communities and support reforestation initiatives.”

“Our cocoa supply chain is 96% traceable to farm level, which enables us to drive positive change with cooperatives and farmers, and 100% of our cocoa is certified through international standards such as Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade.”

Ferrero also recently published its second annual full list of suppliers and farmer groups as part of the company’s commitment to be transparent on cocoa sourcing; in 2020-21, Ferrero sourced about 90% of its cocoa volume from farmer groups with whom the company has a long-term relationship. About 75% of cocoa is sourced as cocoa beans, which are physically traceable from farm to Ferrero’s factories.

The Cocoa and Forests Initiative and annual disclosure of Ferrero’s supply chain, alongside its longtime membership of the World Cocoa Foundation and the International Cocoa Initiative, are part of Ferrero’s wider commitment to deliver on its sustainability strategy – to improve farmers’ livelihoods, protect human rights, and safeguard the environment.