Fazer was awarded a prize for the work it has done for cocoa in the 26th WCF Partnership meeting organised in Copenhagen. In addition to Fazer, the Danish group Toms received a prize.
“Cocoa is one of Fazer’s most important ingredients, and we have set ourselves an ambitious goal regarding its responsibility. We are very happy about this recognition, and it will motivate us to move forward in our work”, says Majlen Fazer, a cocoa and chocolate specialist at Fazer.
Founded in 2000, the World Cocoa Foundation is an international organisation that promotes sustainable cocoa production with more than 115 member companies. Fazer has been a member of the WCF since 2005.
Working together towards a cocoa vision
Fazer’s objective is that by 2017 the origin of the cocoa it uses will be traceable and that all cocoa meets the criteria set for responsibility. The cornerstones of Fazer’s responsible cocoa sourcing are the three principles of the World Cocoa Foundation: people, profit, and planet. In addition, one of Fazer’s main targets is to improve traceability.
This year the amount of cocoa that has been produced according to the responsibility programmes will reach 50 per cent of the cocoa that Fazer uses. This includes certified cocoa (UTZ, Rainforest Alliance) and cocoa produced according to our partners’ responsibility programmes (e.g. Source Trust). As part of its cocoa work, Fazer has supported the village of Biéby in the Ivory Coast through the WCF ECHOES programme since 2007.
“There is a lot of work to do, and challenges especially in West Africa require close cooperation and open sharing of knowledge and expertise. WCF is an important partner for us, and it also provides a valuable forum for dialogue for the players in the sector”, says Majlen Fazer.
FAZER GROUP – Fazer is an international family-owned company offering bakery, confectionery and biscuit products as well as food and café services. Fazer operates in eight countries and exports to more than 40 countries. Fazer’s mission is to create taste sensations.
The company’s success, ever since its establishment in 1891, has been based on the best product and service quality, beloved brands, the passion of its skilful people and the company’s responsible ways of working. The goal is to share the taste of good life every day. Fazer Group’s net sales in 2013 amounted to nearly 1.7 billion euros and the company has over 15,000 employees. Fazer’s operations comply with ethical principles that are based on the Group’s values and the UN Global Compact.
