Cadbury signs Dairy Milk to Fairtrade

Cadbury Australia and Fairtrade Labelling Australia & New Zealand announced plans on August 26 for the nations' favourite chocolate, Cadbury Dairy Milk®, to achieve Fairtrade Certification and be on shelves by Easter 2010. "This move will more than triple the amount of Fairtrade product sold throughout Australia and is part of Cadbury's ongoing global commitment to Fairtrade," a statement said. Cadbury Dairy Milk accounts for 70% of Cadbury's chocolate business in Australia. Consumers in Britain and Ireland are now able to buy Cadbury Dairy Milk® Fairtrade Certified™ chocolate in store and there are similar plans for Cadbury Dairy Milk® in New Zealand and Canada.

Fairtrade is a unique, independent system providing farmers with the security of fair minimum prices for their produce and additional investment for social, environmental and economic development in their communities. "Cadbury's commitment to Fairtrade is life-changing news for cocoa farmers who will be able to sell more of their cocoa as Fairtrade, helping to improve living standards and create a better future for their families and communities," Fairtrade executive director Steve Knapp said.

Managing director for Cadbury Australia & New Zealand Mark Callaghan said Cadbury's commitment to use Fairtrade Certified™ cocoa made it the first major chocolate manufacturer in Australia to make the change. "Cadbury is incredibly proud to bring Fairtrade Certified™ Cadbury Dairy Milk, our signature block, to Australian consumers by purchasing Fairtrade Certified™ cocoa," he said. "Cadbury has a long tradition of being pioneers in sustainable chocolate production and sourcing Fairtrade Certified™ cocoa is another example of this commitment." Mr Callaghan said Cadbury is effectively making Fairtrade Certified™ Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate available in every part of Australia at no extra cost to its customers. Fairtrade Certification of Cadbury Dairy Milk® means Fairtrade and its international partner certification body, FLO-Cert, will independently monitor and audit the supply chain to ensure it meets internationally agreed Fairtrade standards.

From: Grocery & Natural Food Merchandiser | PO Box 248 | Summer Hill | Sydney | NSW | 2130 | Australia |