Consumer pressure forces Mondelez to tackle inequality

Consumer pressure has prompted Cadbury owner Mondelez International, the world’s biggest chocolate maker, to address the inequality faced by female cocoa farmers and workers.

More than 100,000 people around the world signed petitions and took action as part of Oxfam’s Behind the Brands campaign to urge Mondelez, Mars and Nestlé to address these issues. Together, these three companies control 40% of the global chocolate market.

“Tackling the hunger and inequality faced by women cocoa farmers has the potential to improve the lives of millions of people, some of whom are earning less than $2 a day,” said Dr Helen Szoke, Oxfam Australia Chief Executive.

“This latest commitment shows that no company is too big to listen to its customers. Three of the biggest food giants in the world are changing how they operate because consumers have demanded it.

“We hope that the steps taken by Mars, Mondelez International and Nestlé offer an example to the rest of the food and beverage industry that consumers are paying attention to how companies affect the communities in which they work.”

Szoke said Oxfam will continue to monitor each company’s activities. The Behind the Brands campaign aims to highlight areas where companies are not fulfilling their community responsibilities. It will launch new actions later in 2013.