First batch of sustainable cocoa
On Saturday November 7 2009 the 1st batch of sustainable UTZ cocoa was welcomed by Dutch Minister of Development Cooperation Bert Koenders. On request of IDH Mars Veghel made the first sustainable Mars with the batch.
All member of the cocoa consortium were present on Novembr 7 in the harbour in Amsterdam to welcome the first batch that was presented in a sensational way by acrobats and percussionist from Ghana.
Cocoa farmers from West-Africa offered the first bag of beans to Minister Bert Koenders who distributed the beans amongst the consortium members. He also talked with different stakeholders about the need for sustainable production and development.
The first sustainable UTZ was made possible through public private partnership between Mars, Heinz, Nestlé, Cargill, ECOM, Ahold, IKEA, Solidaridad and UTZ. The consortium is powered by IDH.
Cargill offered the first batch of cacao to Mars who made the first ever sustainable Mars with it,as a new years present for relations of Mars, Cargill and IDH.
Back