News

Carma converts to UTZ

24 Sep 2015

Barry Callebaut has announced that Carma is the first major Swiss B2B chocolate manufacturer to switch its full range of “Swiss Top” and “Swiss Line” chocolate couvertures to UTZ Certified cocoa.

Carma converts to UTZ
By Ian McMurray Posted In News, sustainability

Chocolate artisans and their consumers increasingly want to get the assurance that cocoa is grown in a sustainable way, the company said, which generates better income and better livelihoods for farmers and their families.

The commitment is the result of a partnership between Carma – the Barry Callebaut Group’s Swiss Gourmet brand – and UTZ Certified. UTZ Certified stands for sustainable farming and better opportunities for farmers, their families and our planet.

“The UTZ program enables farmers to learn better farming methods which empowers farmers to increase their productivity, generate more income and take better care of their children and the environment”, said UTZ Certified’s Executive Director Han de Groot. “As the first major manufacturer of Gourmet chocolate couvertures for professionals in Switzerland to source exclusively from UTZ certified suppliers, Carma demonstrates leadership in sustainability”.

“Sustainable cocoa will make a positive impact on thousands of cocoa farmers,” said Thomas Hagmann, Managing Director of Carma and Barry Callebaut Switzerland. “Opting for Carma’s couvertures is a wise choice. Not only does it offer great taste and the traditional attributes of Swiss chocolate; but our customers can now also tell end consumers that by enjoying their chocolate, they support sustainable cocoa farming. This is the claim many consumers are looking for.”

UTZ certified cocoa beans are produced by farmers in cooperatives who participate in the cocoa sustainability activities of Barry Callebaut. UTZ labelled chocolate couvertures directly support these cocoa farmers.