Nestlé has introduced the inaugural KitKat made with cocoa mass sourced from the Income Accelerator program, marking a significant step in connecting consumers with farmers engaged in Nestlé’s sustainability initiative. The aim is to highlight the sustainability of the cocoa used in KitKat bars.
Launched in January 2022, the Income Accelerator program seeks to narrow the living income gap for cocoa-farming families, mitigate child labor risks, and encourage better agricultural practices. The program, which has supported over 10,000 families in Côte d’Ivoire, is expanding to Ghana this year and aims to include 30,000 families by the end of the expansion. By 2030, Nestlé aims to impact around 160,000 cocoa-farming families globally.
Nestlé has collaborated with partners to ensure full traceability and physical segregation of cocoa sourced from the Income Accelerator program. This guarantees ‘mixed identity preserved’ traceability, allowing cocoa to be traced and stored separately. Nestlé plans to use segregated cocoa butter for all KitKat chocolate in Europe by mid-2024, with future plans for expansion.
Corinne Gabler, Head of Confectionery and Ice Cream at Nestlé, commented, “KitKat has consistently embraced innovation, centered around its iconic ‘Have a break, Have a KitKat’. Today, this innovation is brought to life through the Breaks for Good initiative that puts cocoa farmers at the center of our product through our income accelerator program.”
The KitKat Breaks for Good, featuring cocoa from the Income Accelerator program, will be available in 27 European countries from January 2024 and in the UK from May 2024. Additionally, a limited-edition KitKat with 70% dark chocolate, sourced from the Income Accelerator, has been launched in the UK as a pilot.
Cargill, a partner on Nestlé’s sustainability journey, expressed commitment to supporting Nestlé’s goals and delivering the Income Accelerator Program. Thierry Touchais, Manager, Strategic Accounts at the Rainforest Alliance, also commended Nestlé’s approach, showcasing the potential for positive change in the industry.