Forced labor is a serious problem around the world, but many companies have begun to stand up for human rights by boycotting all forced labor goods. KitKat recently announced its participation in ethical procurement. Take a look at how this chocolate brand is getting involved.
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Situation: Forced Labor in the Chocolate Supply Chain
Most of the cocoa used in Europe and around the world comes from Western Africa. Major chocolate brands such as Hershey’s, Mars, and Nestlé all source cocoa from the area. However, there are longstanding allegations that the cocoa industry in Western Africa relies on human trafficking and child labor. Studies have found poor working conditions in the Ivory Coast and Ghana. Some workers earn less than $2 per day, and both child labor and forced labor keep prices competitive.
The United States government has been implementing tougher legislation to improve transparency in supply chains, particularly as it relates to child labor and human trafficking. Large companies will soon be required to provide more detailed information about their supply chains and sources so that consumers can make better choices. The United Kingdom’s Modern Slavery Act has a similar goal. As a result, KitKat is implementing changes to eliminate forced labor from its supply chain.
Approach: KitKat Pledges to Only Use Sustainably Sourced Cocoa
The KitKat brand has existed for over 80 years. It was originally owned by Rowntree, but Nestlé bought the brand in 1988. KitKat recently announced that it aims to be the first chocolate brand to use only sustainably sourced cocoa. As a whole, Nestlé plans to use 150,000 tons of sustainably sourced cocoa by 2017. All of its cocoa will be accredited by independent third parties.
As Head of Confectionary for Nestlé, Sandra Martinez, says, “We are delighted to be a flag bearer for the industry, as the first global chocolate brand to announce such a move.” She went on to say, “Sustainable cocoa sourcing helps safeguard the livelihoods of farming communities and delivers higher quality cocoa beans. This announcement will only strengthen consumer trust in KitKat as a responsible brand.”
Nestlé has been working with the Fair Labor Organization to look for human rights violations, such as child labor, in its supply chain. The brand already does a good job at sustainably sourcing cocoa, but some areas still need improvement. KitKat plans to eliminate forced labor entirely from its supply chain.
Impact and Advantage
In an ideal world, human trafficking wouldn’t be a problem. However, it still persists in many parts of the modern world, including the cocoa industry. One of the most effective ways to fix this problem is for government agencies to continue to pressure companies to source all products sustainably. If chocolate companies will not buy cocoa made with forced labor, cocoa bean farms will have to adapt.
KitKat is one brand taking the lead in the fight against forced labor. As major companies make changes to their supply chains, it will be easier for smaller companies to follow suit and affect widespread change in the cocoa industry.[/show_to]
