CAOBISCO working towards hazelnut sustainability

Hazelnuts are a key component of Ferrero Rocher chocolates
Hazelnuts are a key component of Ferrero Rocher chocolates
The association of chocolate, biscuit and confectionery industries of Europe (CAOBISCO) has been discussing a multi-stakeholder approach to improving working conditions in hazelnut orchards in Turkey and boosting supply.

The organisation met earlier this month to encourage conformity with recognised international labour standards, including ILO conventions, in the Turkish hazelnut supply chain

CAOBISCO said in a release: “Addressing the root causes of poor labour practices in the Turkish hazelnut sector cannot be achieved by the private sector in isolation and a joint effort of all relevant private and public stakeholders is required under the leadership of the Turkish government.”

The association believes a multi-stakeholder approach to boosting the hazelnut supply will help eliminate child labour in the supply chain.

CAOBISCO and its members have agreed to set-up a working group that will define the roles and responsibilities of each participant in a multi-stakeholder platform.

CAOBISCO member Ferrero recently announced that it would embark on a traceability plan for hazelnuts. As one on the world’s largest hazelnut users, it has committed to tracing its hazelnut supply by 2020. It hopes this will improve the quality of the nuts, improve farmer practices and help in in avoiding child labour.

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