Kit Kat chocolate biscuit goes Fairtrade

7th December 2009, 9:34am

Nestle UK has announced that Kit Kat will be certified Fairtrade in the UK and Ireland.

This move follows the October launch of Nestle's global Cocoa Plan which represents a 65 million pounds Sterling investment over the next ten years in programmes to address the key economic, social and environmental issues facing cocoa farming communities.

Fairtrade certification of Kit Kat will facilitate long term direct commitments to cocoa co-operatives including additional payments for the farmers to invest in community or business development projects of their own choice, such as improving healthcare and schools.

David Rennie, managing director, Nestle Confectionery, said: "Nestle sells more Kit Kats in the UK than anywhere else in the world and I am delighted that following the launch of the global Cocoa Plan, Kit Kat - our leading confectionery brand - will now be Fairtrade certified in the UK and Ireland.

"UK consumers are increasingly interested in how we source and manufacture their favourite products and certifying our largest and most iconic brand is one of the ways in which we are committing to improving the lives of as many cocoa farming families as possible. Over 6000 Ivorian farmers will benefit immediately as a result of today's announcement."

Harriet Lamb, executive director of the Fairtrade Foundation, added: "The Fairtrade Foundation congratulates Kit Kat on this break-through for cocoa farmers. It is sweet news for the nation's Kit Kat lovers and gives a welcome break to all those cocoa farmers in Cote d'Ivoire who need Fairtrade to improve their livelihoods and communities. Mainstream brands such as Kit Kat bring the critical mass that is needed to tip the balance of trade in favour of disadvantaged cocoa farmers."

Nestle has been working in the Ivory Coast, one of the poorest countries in the world, for over 50 years.

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• 24 Sep 2009 - Public still opt for Fairtrade despite recession

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