On March 20, Brazil sold its first shipment of UTZ certified chocolate to a key wholesaler in the Brazilian market. Masterfoods purchased a significant volume of UTZ certified liquor, marking another positive step in our journey to secure the cocoa supply chain and improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers in Brazil and across the world.
The UTZ program enables farmers to incorporate better farming methods, improve working conditions and take better care of their children and the environment. Along with The Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade, Cargill’s other certification partners, UTZ certification helps create a sustainable cocoa future, in accordance with the aims of the Cargill Cocoa Promise.
Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate is the first and only chocolate company to have created an end-to-end sustainable supply chain in Brazil. Since 2013, they have been working with on-the-ground partners to get Brazilian farmers, the Illhéus Cocoa Grinding Plant and the Porto Ferreira Chocolate Plant up to UTZ certified standards.
As well as moving towards securing a long-term supply of cocoa, these efforts are helping to get closer to the customers in the Brazilian market by anticipating the needs of a dynamic marketplace. Today, consumers can enjoy these products too, as they are being shipped to and sold at Sam’s Club – a cash and carry store, which is part of the Walmart group.
Creating new opportunities to grow volume and entice new customers, Sam’s Club represents a new channel for Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate in Brazil, and is a great partner with whom to embrace the new trend towards conscientious consuming.
“Producing chocolate with UTZ certification demonstrates Cargill’s commitment to looking forward to a sustainable future for the industry,” says Rogerio Andrada, Chocolate Commercial Manager, Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate Brazil, “creating better conditions for cocoa farmers and bringing benefits to producers through our Cargill Cocoa Promise.”
