Marks & Spencer has committed to paying Fairtrade Premium pricing for Ivory Coast cocoa to support fairer incomes for farmers.
The Fairtrade Premium is an additional payment over and above Fairtrade minimum pricing that goes direct to farmers to fund projects to build resilience in the community, such as the construction of new schools.
M&S has also committed to paying an additional investment over two years on top of the Fairtrade Premium, in partnership with Ivory Coast farming co-operative Yeyasso. The additional investment will help farmers plan ahead for climate change impacts on crop yields, according to M&S.
M&S Choc Marks bars will spotlight cocoa farmer Diomandé Léontine, one of 30 in the Yeyasso co-operative, on the inside of the packaging.
“At M&S, we believe that every person in our supply chain should be paid fairly,” said M&S Food head of sustainability Lucinda Langton.
“Cocoa farmers are under pressure to adapt to changing environments and growing demand for exceptional quality. That’s why we are increasing our commitment to fair and ethical sourcing with this investment with the Yeyasso co-operative.
“This long-term commitment means the co-operative can invest in their communities and adapt to changing weather patterns to protect the future of cocoa crop for generations of farmers to come.”
Fairtrade Foundation partnerships director Kerrina Thorogood said: “We’re grateful for M&S’ continued support for Fairtrade and trust in pioneering new initiatives. Building more resilient, ethical and sustainable food systems wouldn’t be possible without the support of industry-leading partners.”
Ethical chocolate brand Tony’s Chocolonely last year slammed M&S’s Choc Marks bar as a dupe of its own chunky bars. “If you dupe our design, what about our sourcing model too?” the brand said at the time.
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