Kit Kat to be Fairtrade

Kit Kat to have Fairtrade logo

Nestle's Kit Kat, which is Britain's most popular chocolate bar, selling one billion each year in Britain, will be branded with the Fairtrade logo from mid-January.

This announcement follows that of Cadbury Dairy Milk going Fairtrade earlier this year, the British paper The Telegraph reports. By Kit Kat going Fairtrade, it will help 6000 African farmers receive a better price for Cocoa.

The Fairtrade mark already appears on more than 4500 products in the UK, but campaigners hope more will follow.

Fairtrade Foundation

Launched in the UK 15 years ago, the Fairtrade campaign offers farmers in developing countries a better price for their produce.

Under the terms, farmers receive a guaranteed minimum price plus a premium of more than GBP£100 a tonne, which is used for business or social development products.

Last year more than GBP £700 million was spent on Fairtrade goods in the UK, an increase of more than GBP£200 million on 2007.

Harriet Lamb, of the Fairtrade Foundation, estimated the Ivory Coast farmers would receive hundreds of thousands of pounds more next year.

"The significant volumes of cocoa that go into making Kit Kat will open whole new possibilities for these farmers, giving them a more sustainable livelihood and the chance to plan for a better future," she said to the BBC.

David Rennie, managing director of Nestle Confectionery, said the company sold more Kit Kats in the UK than anywhere else.

"UK consumers are increasingly interested in how we source and manufacture their favourite products and certifying our largest and most iconic brand is one of the ways in which we are committing to improving the lives of as many cocoa farming families as possible," he said.

To receive the Fairtrade accreditation companies have to pay a minimum price to their suppliers, plus a premium of about GBP£90 a tonne, to qualify for Fairtrade certification. They also have to sign up to various promises such as a guarantee that no child labour will be used.

The company needs to pay a licence fee to the Fairtrade foundation, based on volumes of sales. Nestle promises the price of a Kit Kat, normally about 55p in most corner shops, will not be affected.

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