ALDI and Fairtrade partner to support the livelihoods of cocoa farmers

ALDI is proud to collaborate with Fairtrade on a project in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa, to improve the working conditions and livelihoods of local cocoa farmers. The partnership builds on ALDI Australia’s achievement of 100% sustainably sourced own-brand Moser Roth, Choceur and Dairy Fine chocolate, which is certified sustainable by either Fairtrade or UTZ, part of the Rainforest Alliance. ALDI Australia has also further committed to 100% sustainably sourced cocoa across key product areas, such as biscuits and confectionery, by the end of 2020.

The project in Côte d’Ivoire will look into ALDI’s cocoa supply chain to assess the impact on the local community and environment with the objective to increase traceability, establish greater transparency and spearhead future projects with Fairtrade.

“Fairtrade is committed to working with ALDI on various aspects of their cocoa supply chain to ensure that Cote d’Ivoire cocoa farmers have improved livelihoods and are empowered to deliver projects that provide the greatest impact in their communities. These projects may include income diversification, water management or climate change mitigation. Through Fairtrade, the voice of these cocoa producers, who own 50% of the whole global system, are heard. The ALDI Australia and Fairtrade partnership to ‘Make Trade Fair’ also helps consumers have the knowledge they need to make a considered choice in their purchases,” explains Molly Harriss Olson, CEO, Fairtrade Australia.

The first phase of the project, which is well underway, will see ALDI and Fairtrade evaluate our cocoa farmers’ progress and their working practices to identify where support is most needed. This will assess areas such as the yields and quality of cropping, the application of Good Agricultural Practices, child labour prevention and the elimination of deforestation.

A significant part of the project will see one of ALDI’s chocolate business partners source 100% traceable cocoa beans from the selected cooperative in Côte d’Ivoire. These cocoa beans will then be used as a percentage of the cocoa in the Fairtrade-certified chocolate in ALDI’s Moser Roth chocolate bars.

“With ALDI’s entire range of own-brand chocolate being certified sustainable, shoppers can be confident that they are purchasing chocolate which supports fair working conditions and pay for cocoa farmers- not only in Côte d’Ivoire, but within ALDI’s entire supply chain, regardless of where the cocoa has been sourced”, said Adam Millauro, ALDI Australia’s Chocolate Buying Director.

ALDI is committed to working with partners such as Fairtrade to positively impact the cocoa supply chain and make a difference on the ground in countries such as Côte d’Ivoire.