Sustainable Supply Chains: Tony's Chocolonely, Mars & More

A coalition of food companies and environmental organisations has been launched in the European Parliament to advocate for legislation on agricultural supply chain sustainability. The EU Sustainable Supply Chains Coalition brings together 17 industry leaders including major chocolate and confectionery manufacturers.

The group plans to coordinate advocacy efforts with EU policymakers on agricultural and timber commodity supply chains. According to the coalition, its focus includes sectors where smallholder farmers make up a substantial portion of production.

Platform for policy engagement

The coalition aims to create a space for supply chain stakeholders to engage with EU legislators on sustainability measures. Its stated ambition covers agricultural and timber commodity supply chains where human rights abuses, deforestation and environmental degradation remain concerns.

The group argues for changes to support farmers and workers in achieving living incomes. It plans to focus on the design and implementation of EU legislation and policy in this area.

The coalition intends to work on EU-focused activities including partnerships with producing countries. Members will coordinate advocacy efforts through what the group describes as active and transparent methods.

Delara Burkhardt MEP hosted the launch meeting in the European Parliament. She says: "Businesses are ready to deliver on sustainable supply chains.

"The EU's anti-deforestation rules must be implemented without further delay. Anything else would reward those who hold back."

Deforestation regulation under review

Tony's Chocolonely is among the food manufacturers forming the coalition. The chocolate company says its attention is on the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which requires specific commodities sold in or exported from the EU to be deforestation-free, legally produced and traceable.

The regulation covers cattle, cocoa and soya among other commodities and derived products. Companies must invest in data collection and increase traceability across supply chains to meet EUDR requirements.

The EU is a major importer of agricultural and timber products. According to the coalition, conditions placed on imports could reinforce incentives for production methods that address deforestation concerns.

Tony's Chocolonely posted on LinkedIn: "We've been waiting for the EUDR for years and a third revision would create even more uncertainty, undermining trust and slowing down the momentum we so urgently need to keep forests standing and supply chains resilient.

"No, the legislation isn't perfect, but our coalition proves that the industry is eager for change. And progress beats waiting for perfection."

Food sector membership

The coalition membership includes food and drink sector companies Ferrero, The Hershey Company, Mars Wrigley and Nestlé. Environmental organisations such as Fairtrade International, International Cocoa Initiative and Rainforest Alliance have also joined.

The Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil and the European Cocoa Association are among other members. The coalition was formed following a meeting on the EUDR.

Francesco Tramontin, Vice President Global Public Affairs at Ferrero, says: "Ferrero is pleased to join with companies, NGOs and other stakeholders in calling for ambitious EU action."

He added: "We will only deliver lasting change if we collaborate across the value chain so we can amplify impact, share best practices and move in the same direction."

The review of the Deforestation Regulation is expected to be completed by 30 April.