Cadbury pushes for Fairtrade logo

Cadbury New Zealand is aiming to have its Dairy Milk chocolate brand sold under the Fairtrade logo by next Easter, the confectionary company said today.

The move comes as part of Cadbury's international commitment to Fairtrade, which secures fair minimum prices for developing market commodity producers, and is used on a range of products such as coffee and chocolate.

Certification and labelling allows buyers to recognise and choose products that meet international Fairtrade standards.

In March, Cadbury in Britain announced plans for all Dairy Milk in Britain and Ireland to be sold under the Fairtrade logo by the end of its 2009 summer.

Fairtrade executive director Steve Knapp said Cadbury New Zealand's commitment to the movement was a landmark step.

"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," Mr Knapp said.

"This announcement sets a new standard for the mainstream chocolate industry in New Zealand and will open up new Fairtrade opportunities for cocoa farmers in our corner of the world."

Cadbury New Zealand's managing director Matthew Oldham said the company was proud to be bringing the Fairtrade mark to its signature chocolate.

"Cadbury has a long tradition of being pioneers in sustainable chocolate production and sourcing Fairtrade certified cocoa is another example of this commitment."

Mr Oldham said the change would come with no extra cost to buyers, and no change to the chocolate.

Earlier this month, the New Zealand company bowed to public pressure to get rid of palm oil from its chocolate.

The firm started using palm oil recently as part of a cost-cutting exercise, replacing a portion of the cocoa butter ingredient, but returned to the original recipe following public outcry.

- NZPA