By setting our standards and collaborating with our suppliers, we aim to play a positive role in improving the lives of the people in our value chain. To achieve this, we pursue a combination of measures based on the risks identified in our supply chain. We are aware of, and closely monitor, the developing regulatory focus on supply chain risks, such as deforestation and human rights. Our due diligence processes aim to ensure regulatory compliance.
List of key actions taken, continued, and planned in 2024
Responsible sourcing (in upstream value chain)
- Ongoing implementation of the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program in Côte d’Ivoire, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Ghana, Madagascar, Papua New Guinea, and Peru
- Continuous definition of responsible sourcing programs for 12 priority materials
- Use of the EcoVadis framework to evaluate the sustainability performance of prioritized suppliers of direct and indirect goods and services of all our subsidiaries
- Ongoing monitoring and improvement of responsible practices at packaging supplier sites in Asia through our Supplier Sustainable Practice (SSP) Program, our supplier site audit and remediation program
Rural development (in upstream value chain)
- Start of the transition to Rainforest Alliance Certification of all cocoa sourced for 2025 as a basis and an external verification scheme
- Adapting traceability processes and systems in preparation of compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) requirements
- Initiation of the review of our Theory of Change with support of sector experts, and definition of new program metrics
- Initiation of a review of our suppliers’ Child Labor Monitoring and Remediation Systems (CLMRS)
- Establishment of new partnerships and membership of ICI (International Cocoa Initiative)
- Design of a living income pilot program to start during 2025 in West Africa
- Creation of the 2030 decarbonization plan for cocoa and introduction of an agroforestry insetting program for science-based targets in Côte d’Ivoire