Sweet deal…

Sweet deal… American candy company Hershey is expanding its sustainability initiatives with an aim of achieving 100% certified cocoa by 2020. As part of this, the company has issued a ‘21st Century Cocoa Plan’ which outlines how it  will work to help cocoa communities around the world grow sustainable cocoa for the next century. “Cocoa is at the heart of our business and we care deeply that this key ingredient is grown in a safe, healthy and sustainable manner,” said John P. Bilbrey, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Hershey Company. “Through our Hershey 21St Century Cocoa Plan, we are taking meaningful and measurable steps and making a positive difference in the health and well-being of cocoa communities.

“This is a watershed moment for our industry to work together with cocoa growing nations to increase opportunities for farmers through better training, financing and community development. The complexity of the challenges requires us to work together with a focused plan.”