NZ’s most popular dark chocolate Fairtrade Certified

Whittaker's Procurement and Export Manager Matt Whittaker

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Fairtrade applauds Whittaker’s making NZ’s most popular dark chocolate Fairtrade Certified

Whittaker’s proudly announces New Zealand’s top-selling dark chocolate block will now be Fairtrade Certified. Fairtrade Certified 72% Dark Ghana 250g will be on shelves in time for Fair Trade Fortnight 4-19 May. Whittaker’s is the Exclusive Chocolate Sponsor for Oxfam’s ‘Biggest Coffee Break’ and ‘Biggest Chocolate Break’, which are held during Fair Trade Fortnight.

Whittaker’s two top selling 250g blocks are now both Fairtrade Certified – 5 Roll Refined Creamy Milk and 72% Dark Ghana.

Steve Knapp, CEO, Fairtrade Australia and New Zealand said: “We welcome and applaud Whittaker’s increasing commitment to improving the lives of thousands of small-scale cocoa farmers in West Africa.

“Fairtrade certification delivers measurable impact on the ground for farmers as they receive a fair price for their cocoa and an additional investment to support their families and local community, from better schooling and health services to improving farming practices.

“Consumers can also show their support by making the simple choice to purchase chocolate with the FAIRTRADE Mark,” said Mr Knapp.

Whittaker’s Procurement & Export Manager Matt Whittaker said: “We go to significant lengths to source our Fairtrade ingredients, including sugar from the Coopeagri cooperative in Costa Rica and cocoa beans from the Kuapa Kokoo cooperative in Ghana.”

With the additional income derived from the Fairtrade Premium, Ghana’s Kuapa Kokoo cocoa co-operative has undertaken many projects to improve the lives of its farmers and their families and communities, including: constructing wells for clean drinking water, instigating a mobile health programme, and building classrooms and day care centres for children.

Converting its 72% Dark Ghana 250g block to Fairtrade has meant Whittaker’s has tripled its purchases of Fairtrade Certified cocoa from the Kuapa Kokoo co-operative, which Mr Whittaker has visited as part of the company’s focus on Fairtrade.

“We’re very proud to announce another one of our best-selling products is Fairtrade Certified. This is a big step in our ongoing commitment to Fairtrade,” said Mr Whittaker.

The family-owned New Zealand company is working with international Fairtrade cooperatives to secure continuity and reliability of supply of more high quality Fairtrade Certified ingredients.

“When we’re satisfied we can ensure security of supply and maintain quality for our customers, we’ll look to continue extending Fairtrade certification across more of our varieties.

“We have a commitment to producing only chocolate of the highest quality. Whittaker’s is the only major chocolate manufacturer in New Zealand that ensures quality by controlling the whole manufacturing process – from bean to bar,” said Mr Whittaker.

In December 2012, Whittaker’s 5 Roll Refined Creamy Milk was voted New Zealand’s favourite Fairtrade product in the ‘Large Category’ of the inaugural Fairtrade Product Awards. Earlier in 2012, Whittaker’s was voted New Zealand’s Most Trusted Brand in the Reader’s Digest awards.

Whittaker’s Fairtrade Certified 72% Dark Ghana 250g block will be available nationwide at no extra cost to consumers.

ENDS

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