Cocoa policy

Cocoa is the main ingredient in chocolate. It is cultivated in some of the poorest regions in the world. Nearly 70% of all cocoa is produced in West Africa, mainly on small family plantations. The majority of cocoa is consumed in western countries, where it is used especially to make chocolate. Cocoa is one of the ingredients where production carries a high risk of human rights and environmental violations.

Cocoa policy objectives

The cocoa used in Kesko’s own brand cocoa drinks, chocolate confectionary products and chocolate baking goods will be 100% of sustainable origin by the end of year 2020.

Initial situation in May 2019:
81% of the cocoa in Pirkka and K-Menu range cocoa drinks, chocolate confectionary products and chocolate baking goods sold in 2018 was of sustainable origin (UTZ or Fairtrade certified). The Menu Fairtrade cocoa powder sold by Kespro was 100% of sustainable origin.

The cocoa used in other own brand products containing cocoa will be 100% of sustainable origin by the end of year 2025.

Certifications accepted for cocoa

K Group accepts the following certificates for cocoa:
• Fairtrade certicate
• UTZ certificate and due to the merging of UTZ and Rainforest Alliance organizations, the Rainforest Alliance 2020 certificate
• the new ISO 34101 Sustainable and traceable cocoa standard.

The cocoa policy was first published on 23 May 2019. 

Progress of the objectives of the cocoa policy in 2023

100% of the Pirkka, Pirkka Parhaat and K-Menu cocoa drinks, chocolate confectionery products and chocolate baking products sold in 2023 contained sustainable cocoa, of which 94% were Rainforest Alliance certified and 6% Fairtrade certified. The cocoa used in other Pirkka, Pirkka Parhaat and K-Menu products containing cocoa was 28% of sustainable origin.

100% of Kespro Menu cocoa drinks, chocolate confectionery products and chocolate baking products sold in 2023 contained sustainable cocoa, of which 100% were Fairtrade certified. The cocoa used in other Menu products containing cocoa was 73% of sustainable origin.

Progress in 2019-2023: