At Harrods, we recognise the importance of sourcing cocoa in a responsible and sustainable manner. We are committed to purchasing from sources that are able to demonstrate responsible social, ethical and environmental practices are implemented throughout the supply chain. We work closely with our suppliers to ensure they are implementing long-term practises to respect human rights, promote decent working conditions and improve sustainability across our supply base.
Third party independently certified or verified sustainability programmes, where possible and appropriate.
Commitment to living wage.
Engage in responsible labour practices.
Safeguard the environment.
Provision for the basic health and education needs and wellbeing of their families.
Harrods recognises the following third party certified responsible cocoa programmes:
Rainforest Alliance – a label that stands for more sustainable farming and better opportunities for farmers, their families, and our planet, as well as encompassing ecosystem conservation and wildlife protection
Cocoa Horizons – a programme that works to improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and their communities
Fairtrade – a system of certification that aims to ensure a set of standards are met in the production and supply of a product or ingredient
Harrods recognises the following routes by which the responsibly sourced cocoa supply chain requirements can be met:
Identity Preserved
Assuring 100% of the physical product originates from a specific estate or plantation. However, the costs associated with such strict control mean that it is expensive and so it is not expected to be used except in exceptional circumstances. 99% of our suppliers are certified to IP and we are working to make this 100% by the end of the year
Fully Segregated
Ensuring that various different certified cocoa sources are mixed together, but kept separate from non-certified cocoa
Mass Balance
The controlled mixing of certified & non-certified cocoa
In order to source cocoa-containing products responsibly, Harrods will take the following actions:
1. We commit to only using cocoa that is third-party certified to an accredited scheme or directly sourced from cocoa farmers.
2. We will request that suppliers provide documentary evidence confirming certification to an accredited scheme.
3. Where suppliers have direct relationships with farmers, these suppliers will have received formal approval from the Harrods Technical team to ensure responsible and sustainable sourcing practices are followed in line with our core responsibility requirements.
4. We will work with our suppliers to ensure supply chains are transparent, from the source to the finished product and actively map out our supply chain, including our direct and indirect supply chain relationships.
5. We undertake periodic traceability audits to ensure that our specifications are met by suppliers.
6. We commit to promoting responsible and sustainable cocoa and we will actively work towards increasing our messaging in-store and on our packaging to inform customers of the sourcing of the cocoa, particularly where the product is single origin and direct farmer relationships are maintained.
7. We will continue to work with our suppliers to better understand and deliver our sustainability message and work to improve the livelihoods of communities and sustainable farming practices.
