SwissInfo

CORPORATE SOCIALRESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
BarryCallebaut
Annual Report2010/11
Market trends
In fiscal year 2010/11, we further intensified our focus on securing along-term supply
of cocoa beans. Our business depends on cocoa, asensitive crop grown in a
narrow geographical band near the equator by mainly smallholder farmers and
their families. Inorder to meet the rising future demand for chocolate, wemust
contribute to ensuring that cocoa is grown in asustainable way that generates
income for farmers and that safeguards the environment. As the world’s largest
cocoa and chocolate company,with operations in key cocoa growing regions and a
history of community engagement, Barry Callebaut is uniquely positioned to help
drive sustainability initiatives.
Trends
Key trends that have continued to have an impact on our company include the
globalization of the food supply chain; increasing consumer demand for safe food
produced in aresponsible and sustainable way, which has heightened interest in
certified products; and the rapid and prolific dissemination of information through
social media and other communication channels.
In 2010/11, more customers explored options for certified cocoa and chocolate
products.Westepped up our sourcing and procurement activities accordingly.
As acustomer-focused company, wework together with customers to meet their
unique requirements,including sourcing cocoa from certified producers or from a
specific origin country. Inaddition to our own programs with cooperatives and
farmers,wesupport other programs and systems that aredesired by our customers
and which strive to improve farming and labor practices,increase farm productivity,
protect natural resources and improve farmer incomes and family livelihoods.
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