‘Huge blow’ as KitKat cuts ties to Fairtrade

KITKAT HAS severed its ties with Fairtrade, despite warnings that thousands of farmers will be hit by the move.

The boss of Fairtrade said owner Nestle’s decision to cut its 10-year association with the nonprofit organisation is “profoundly disappointing”.

The Swiss-owned food giant said it will now source its cocoa for KitKat bars – made in York – from farms on Rainforest Alliance terms instead of those working with Fairtrade accreditation.

Nestle, which already uses Rainforest Alliance certified farmers on other bars such as Aero and Yorkie, said it will start the new partnership for KitKat from October.

However, Michael Gidney, of the Fairtrade Foundation, said its cocoa farmers in the Ivory Coast were “devastated”. He said: “It would never be good news but to face this when the country is looking at one of the worst health crises imaginable makes things particularly difficult.

“Nestle’s relationship with farmers in Ivory Coast has been able to make a huge difference to village communities, helping them to receive electricity and water pumps.

“The decision is a huge blow.” Simon Billington, global technical manager for Nestle Confectionery, said the firm is aware that “the move will have an impact on some farmers”, but said it is “working hard” to mitigate this.

The company said it will provide financial support to help its current farmers to certify with the Rainforest Alliance if they wish.

Nestle said it was not a moneysaving decision and will spend the same amount on cocoa from its farmers over the next year. It said it will also invest in initiatives to support farmers and communities, including £1m to improve incomes and a further £500,000 on community projects.