Lidl US to launch private label chocolate bar that supports cocoa farmers

Lidl US is introducing a private label chocolate bar that contributes to a living income for cocoa farmers later this month.

Available in milk and dark chocolate variants, Lidl US’s new Way To Go! bar uses 100% traceable and sustainable Fairtrade cocoa sourced from a cooperative in Ghana.

According to Fairtrade America, the grocer’s new offering guarantees that farmers receive at least the Fairtrade Minimum Price for cocoa and the Fairtrade Premium.

In addition, Lidl’s partnership with Fairtrade will see the retailer pay a second premium for every metric ton of cocoa purchased for the Way To Go! range. This premium can be used by farmers to diversify into new categories and develop new farming techniques.

“If more retailers followed in Lidl’s footsteps by Fairtrade certifying their private label chocolate as well as by taking the extra step towards paying cocoa producers a living income, it would help eradicate systemic poverty in the cocoa industry, which contributes to child labour practices, deforestation and more,” said Peg Willingham, executive director, Fairtrade America.

Stefan Schwarz, executive vice president of purchasing at Lidl US, added: “Lidl is committed to investing in products and business models that deliver greater returns to people working in the supply chain, and this is especially important in the cocoa industry.

“By designing and launching the first private label chocolate bar with the objective of directly supporting workers, small-scale farmers and local communities, we are taking another important step in this direction.”

Lidl’s Way To Go! bars will be available at all Lidl US stores starting on 16 December.