The Hershey Company has announced that it will source 100% certified cocoa for its global chocolate product lines by 2020 and speed up its programs to help eradicate child labor in the West Africa cocoa regions.
Certified cocoa will be verified through independent auditors to assure that it is grown in line with the internationally recognized standards for labor, environmental and better farming practices.
Presently, certified cocoa only represents less than 5% of the world's cocoa supply.
As a leading chocolate manufacturer in North America, Hershey believes its 2020 purchasing commitment should significantly expand the global supply of certified cocoa, particularly from West Africa, which produces about 70% of the world's cocoa.
The Hershey Company president and chief executive officer JP Bilbrey said that consistent with Hershey's values, it is directly addressing the economic and social issues that impact West Africa's two million cocoa farmers and families.
"Expanding the use of certified cocoa across our iconic chocolate brands while working with public and private partners, demonstrates Hershey's responsible sourcing practices. I am confident that we can make a substantial difference in West Africa by 2020," Bilbrey added
