STOP THE TRAFFIK welcomes the announcement that Nestle’s entire chocolate range in Australia and New Zealand is now UTZ certified.

Nestle’s commitment means more than 3,000 tonnes of UTZ certified cocoa are now used annually to produce iconic favourites such as Kit Kat, Smarties and Club chocolate in Australia and New Zealand.

Since 2006 STOP THE TRAFFIK activists made the chocolate industry the focus of international campaigns with progress steadily improving as customer pressure has led to certification announcements from major chocolate companies including Cadbury and Mars.

Over 100,000 postcards were sent to Nestle by consumers encouraging them to adopt ethical certification as part of a STOP THE TRAFFIK campaign.

UTZ certified products are independently verified as respecting basic worker rights standards such as a ban on child labour. The standard also requires sustainable agricultural practices to better support cocoa farmers and the environment.

Baptist World Aid Advocacy Manager, Gershon Nimbalker said, “It’s amazing to think that Nestle, the largest food company in the world, has responded to the calls of everyday Australians, standing up for a cause they believed in. It turns out our actions can change the world.”

We know companies will only make change when they are under pressure from consumers. It is vital we maintain the momentum. We’ve seen change but companies are only responding when they are under pressure to do so.

This announcement shows the other big chocolate companies that broad based certification is possible. STOP THE TRAFFIK is a global campaign and looks forward to Nestle making similar announcements globally.

“This is fantastic news yet we remain eager to hear from Nestle regarding their plans for the rest of their global operations”, said Mr Nimbalker.

Ethical consumers can now look forward to eating the Nestle chocolate range with a clear conscience, just in time for Easter celebrations.

Antonie Fountain, STOP THE TRAFFIK Cocoa Campaign Coordinator, urged consumers to shop with a conscience: “Just as Wilberforce asked people not to use sugar to abolish slavery, we are asking people to eat certified chocolate. If a company is doing the right thing they are going to put a little mark on their chocolate saying it is certified traffik-free. Look for a Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance or UTZ certified label on the chocolate you eat.”

Join us in congratulating Nestle by sending them a thank-you email and encourage them to extend their efforts to the rest of their global operations. You can send an email to: anita.catalano@au.nestle.com

Media contacts: 

Carolyn Kitto, Coordinator STOP THE TRAFFIK Australia (mob) 0438 040 959 

Gershon Nimbalker, Advocacy Manager, Baptist World Aid Australia (mob) 0422 021 520