The brand already uses only sustainably sourced cocoa, accredited by independent third-party bodies, in products sold in certain markets, but this new announcement extends the practice worldwide, including the United States.

The confectionery industry has been under scrutiny as reports that child labour still exists on its cocoa farms have been uncovered. 

KitKat’s move is part of Nestle’s goal to source 150,000 tons of sustainably produced cocoa annually by 2017. Nestle began switching KitKat to Fairtrade cocoa in the UK in 2010 and has been expanding its use of certified beans to Canada, Australia, South Africa and throughout Europe.

Sandra Martinez, Head of Confectionery for Nestlé, said: “We’re delighted to be a flag bearer for the industry, as the first global chocolate brand to announce such a move.

“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.”

The initiative, which coincides with KitKat’s 80th birthday, is part of Nestlé’s commitment to source 150,000 tonnes of sustainably produced cocoa by 2017 via the Nestlé Cocoa Plan.

The Nestlé Cocoa Plan aims to improve the lives of cocoa farming communities and the quality of the cocoa Nestlé purchases.

Source: Nestlé