Cargill helps build sustainable supply chain

Multinational ingredients giant Cargill has taken an important step in building a sustainable supply chain, after receiving its first shipment of UTZ-certified cocoa beans from Vietnam.

According to the company, the arrival of the beans to its buying station in Chau Thanh Ben Tre province, demonstrates the company’s role in boosting the sustainability of global supply chains.

Harold Poelma, managing director for Cargill Cocoa & Chocolate, said that the firm would also be undertaking research and training local farmers in sustainable agricultural practices.

“We educate them on farming and post-harvest protocols, as well as developing cocoa standards. The aim behind this is to increase the yield and improve the quality of the yield,” he added.

Recently, Cargill’s three Vietnamese cocoa plantations also received UTZ certification for sustainable cocoa production, following an audit in January.

Earlier this week, meat and beverage producer Sara Lee announced cost savings of $194 million (£121 million) since building a sustainable supply chain at the start of its 2009 financial year.