1st August 2023

Lindt & Sprüngli, a global leader in the premium chocolate product sector, has become a Bonsucro member. Representation of global chocolate brands continues to grow: Bonsucro membership already includes the likes of Barry Callebaut, Ferrero Trading Luz, The Hershey Company, and Mars Wrigley Confectionery UK.

Picture: Amirali Mirhashemian / Unsplash

Sugar is a key ingredient in chocolate, used to offset the bitterness of the cocoa beans while bringing out and emphasising their natural flavour. But sugarcane is considered a high impact crop, with a significant carbon footprint and a high-water demand, that can threaten ecosystems and communities if produced unsustainably and irresponsibly. As such, there is a need for global companies like Lindt & Sprüngli to lead the way in the sector in addressing the social, environmental, and economic impact of sugarcane.

Sugarcane production and communities across the world will be impacted by climate change; the IPCC interactive atlas shows some origins will experience more consecutive dry days and less precipitation. Avoiding the most adverse impacts of climate change makes sustainability commitments from companies vital.

As a global company with 12 production facilities and a presence in more than 120 countries, Lindt & Sprüngli can help drive the adoption of sustainable practices across the sugarcane sector – including by encouraging certification against the Bonsucro Production Standard. Lindt & Sprüngli plan to buy Bonsucro certified sugar wherever possible.

Responsible sourcing is key for Lindt & Sprüngli, with a focus on the environment and social responsibility along its value chain. The company has strong public commitments in place regarding greenhouse gas emissions and water use throughout its production operations. In 2022, Lindt & Sprüngli reduced greenhouse gas emissions in its production operations by 21% per ton of chocolate produced compared to its 2020 levels. Later this year, the company will be releasing its defined and validated science-based targets to reduce emissions from the entire value chain. Furthermore, it is committed to a 10% reduction of municipal water used in its production process by 2025 against 2019 levels, per ton produced.

The Bonsucro Production Standard includes core indicators on both water usage and greenhouse gas emissions, against which producers must meet in order to achieve certification. Scientific models indicate that the global adoption of the Production Standard would halve greenhouse gas emissions from the production of sugarcane, and also reduce water use by 65%. Sourcing Bonsucro certified sugarcane demonstrates a company’s commitment to sustainability across the value chain, and offers the opportunity to make progress towards their public pledges.

Sales of Lindt & Sprüngli chocolate reached CHF 4.97 billion (5.57 billion USD) in 2022, with brands like Lindt and Ghirardelli performing well in a variety of markets across the world. Rafael Seixas, Senior Membership Manager, says:

“We are excited about the membership of Lindt & Sprüngli as part of our increased engagement and collaboration with the chocolate sector. We look forward to working with Lindt & Sprüngli in different origins to drive Bonsucro certification and positive social and environmental impacts.”

We’re delighted to have such a global, leading company join Bonsucro, and to know it is committed to driving ever-greater sustainability in its value chain.

If your company is interested in Bonsucro membership, learn more about the benefits of joining us and contact our team at info@bonsucro.com.