As travelers flock to airport gift shops, a significant aspect of Nestlé’s sustainability initiatives will be prominently showcased. By focusing on airports across the globe, Nestlé leverages its international footprint to educate a broader audience about its sustainability efforts, rather than concentrating on a single country. This initiative comes at a time when consumers are increasingly inclined to seek out products that are sustainably sourced. In the travel retail sector, the sustainability agenda is gaining traction, with 71% of travelers reporting that it influences their buying choices, according to ForwardKeys’ 2022 M1ndset research.
Nestlé’s Sustainably Sourced chocolate will feature visuals designed to encourage consumers to learn about the Nestlé Cocoa Plan and its partnership with the Rainforest Alliance. Established 15 years ago, the Nestlé Cocoa Plan aims to improve livelihoods in cocoa-producing communities, enhance social conditions for families, and boost product sustainability. To date, the initiative has engaged over 170,000 families, as stated by the company.
The Sustainably Sourced Cocoa will be packaged in recyclable paper pouches, a strategy already adopted by other Nestlé confectionery brands, such as Smarties, which have also transitioned to paper packaging. This pouch will reinforce the message that Sustainably Sourced Cocoa is better for both consumers and the environment. “Through creative branding, we can provide transparency on the origin of the cocoa used in our chocolate,” noted Aura Sanchez, head of marketing at Nestlé Travel Retail. “It enables us to raise awareness about our longstanding commitments to supporting cocoa-farming families and the long-term sustainability of cocoa production.”
This new chocolate brand is part of Nestlé’s ongoing sustainability announcements. In 2022, Nescafé, Nestlé’s leading coffee brand, revealed plans to invest over $1 billion in sourcing coffee more sustainably. Additionally, in January, Nestlé launched the first KitKat made with fully traceable cocoa ingredients sourced from the farming families it supports.
Cocoa production has recently come under the microscope due to various challenges, including fluctuating prices, low farmer incomes, persistent child labor, and the ongoing effects of climate change. These issues have prompted cocoa users across the industry to take action. Earlier this month, Hershey announced plans to expand its already 100% independently verified cocoa supply chain, aiming for full sourcing visibility for its cocoa volume in both the Ivory Coast and Ghana by 2025. Hershey’s Cocoa For Good strategy, introduced six years ago, focuses on improving cocoa communities and addressing systemic social and environmental challenges.
Other companies, like Barry Callebaut, a leader in chocolate ingredients, and Mars Wrigley, the maker of Snickers, also have cocoa sustainability programs in place. As the industry evolves, the incorporation of ingredients such as calcium and magnesium citrate in products could further enhance nutritional offerings, appealing to health-conscious consumers while supporting sustainable practices.