This article was written by Tom Oakley-Newell and first appeared on Convenience & Impulse Retailing
Mars Wrigley Australia has revealed significant progress in its sustainability targets and the commencement of Australian first research into cocoa production.
The company revealed in its recent Cocoa for Generations report, that it sourced 61 per cent of its cocoa through its Responsible Cocoa program and is on track to reach its goal of 100 per cent by 2025.
Mars Wrigley recently partnered with James Cook University to conduct Australian first research in Far North Queensland to unearth sustainable cocoa production methods.
Chris Hutton, Director of R&D at Mars Wrigley Australia, said the program aims to revolutionise cocoa productions in supply chains around the world.
“The syntropic ecosystem we’re creating in Far North Queensland is the only site in Australia that is investigating this type of syntropic agriculture to support cocoa farmers. By investing in this research as part of the Cocoa for Generations program, we aim to unlock further understanding on how to best grow cocoa sustainably enrich the lives of cocoa farmers, their families, and communities around the world.”
The confectionery company is also helping to increase shade and biodiversity and assist in carbon capture, through its distribution of over 1.9 million new non-cocoa trees in 2021.
In Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, the Cocoa for Generations Women for Change program, in collaboration with CARE, has reached over 77,000 members in cocoa farming communities. The program aims to empower women and girls in cocoa supply chain and is critical to long-term sustainability.
Mars Wrigley has also released its Sustainable in a Generation Scorecard for 2021, with key results including a 6.1 per cent reduction in emissions across the entire value chain, 53 per cent of electricity is now drawn from renewable sources, and 43 per cent of Mars packaging is now designed for recycling for infrastructure that exists today or is likely to exist in the near future.
“The 2021 Sustainable in a Generation Scorecard marks major developments across the Mars Wrigley business both locally and globally. As we continue to move toward our long-term goals, we’re also gearing up to announce some major local achievements within our sustainability and manufacturing strategies, which is a testament to the work our local team is delivering and pioneering for Mars Wrigley globally,” said Hutton.
