Maltesers go Fairtrade

Mars Chocolate and Fairtrade International have announced an agreement to introduce the first Fairtrade labelled Mars product.

The first chocolate to become Fairtrade under the new agreement will be Maltesers, with the new packages hitting UK shops in 2012.

The fantastic move will contribute in excess of US $1 million in annual Fairtrade Premium funds for cocoa farmers to invest in their farms, business organisations and communities. Superb news all round!

Maltesers is the third biggest confectionery brand in the UK, and its switch to Fairtrade will represent more than a 10% increase in total UK Fairtrade sales. This represents a significant boost to the future of an already popular ethical choice.

At the heart of the agreement is a shared ambition to make commodity certification that supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers the norm in the cocoa industry. Mars have made a commitment to scale up their purchases of Fairtrade cocoa and to help drive forward similar moves for other recognised brands.

Harriet Lamb, Executive Director of the Fairtrade Foundation says:

“It’s brilliant news for cocoa farmers, and we’re thrilled that the first initiative is to certify Maltesers with the Fairtrade Mark. It means that from next year, every Maltesers ball we enjoy will deliver a little bit of extra magic, supporting the farmers who grew the cocoa to invest in a brighter future"