Nestlé has officially received the renewal of its Rainforest Alliance Certificate
As a new step towards consolidating a sustainable agricultural production model, Nestlé officially received the renewal of its Rainforest Alliance certification for its cocoa supply chain sourced from a group of farms located in different provinces of the Ecuadorian coast.
Rainforest Alliance is one of the most renowned seals, across the world, regarding sustainable agriculture. Its scope covers social, environmental, and economical aspects making this milestone a significant achievement for Nestlé Ecuador and for cocoa-producing communities. In this particular case, the plan was designed for farming co-ops, a model that allows the junction of small-to-medium size producers into a common system, all under the same regulations. This facilitates the implementation of responsible practices and provides greater collective benefits.
The Impact of the Cocoa Chain
The Ecuadorian cocoa is considered one of the finest and most aromatic cocoa in the world. Nestlé, aware of its value, has worked closely with farmer associations to implement training programs and technical assistance, that comply with the requirements of the Rainforest Alliance. These criterias include the efficient use of natural resources, the decrease of environmental impact, the respect for biodiversity and the promotion of dignified and safe working conditions for the workers.
The certificate does not only represent the guarantee of sustainable practices for the international markets, but also strengthens the Ecuadorian cocoa's position in its highly competitive market. The global consumer demand for products that respect the environment and support for local communities is also growing at a fast pace. As such, Nestlé, with its global presence, is becoming the bridge between local producers and conscious customers.
Kiwa, the partner for progress
Kiwa does not stop at auditing: it positions itself as a strategic partner for the progress of companies and producers. Kiwa, by relying on highly-skilled personnel and extensive experience in audits and inspections, ensures that each certification is executed professionally, objectively and with great technical knowledge. Thanks to its presence in over 35 countries and its international accreditation, Kiwa guarantees trust-worthy and globally recognized processes, thereby highlighting the sustainable measures of the organizations it operates with.
The attribution of Nestlé's Rainforest Alliance certification marks a significant milestone for Ecuadorian agriculture and for the coastal communities that rely on the cocoa industry. This achievement not only reinforces consumer trust in the brand and its products, but also serves as a powerful example of the positive impact that collaborations between global corporations and local farmers can have in building a more sustainable future.
If you would like to read more about this certificate, please contact us: food@kiwa.com