Customers’ and consumers’ preferences have changed hugely in recent years, with a clear shift towards innovative products with convincing certifications, labels and a transparent, sustainable supply chain. Sustainability labels are in high demand, particularly for chocolate. HALBA is noticing this change to a substantial extent and responding to it with a wide range of high-quality products and packaging solutions that satisfy exacting sustainability requirements, too.
In terms of sustainability, HALBA strives to add value through high-quality, credible certifications and sustainability labels. Its certified product range has been continually expanded in recent years: its first Fairtrade chocolate was launched in 1994, its first organic chocolate followed in 2005, and in 2010 it launched its first chocolate that was described at the time as climate-neutral. Today, no fewer than 92 % of chocolate and 54 % of snacks have a sustainability label. Customers can choose from a wide range of labels and even combinations thereof.
In addition, customers can participate directly in HALBA’s sustainability projects at origin. The company’s commitment to corporate sustainability is closely linked to the supply chain and is therefore transparent and traceable. Both producers and customers benefit from the investments made on site. HALBA supports this with project information and regular updates. HALBA’s customers can use this information for their own sustainability communication.
One example of this is the partnership with Alter Eco. It shows how sustainability can be further developed together through long-term collaboration along the entire value chain.
How is sustainability embedded at Alter Eco?
Alter Eco was founded on three core principles, Restore Ecosystems, Improving Livelihoods, and Reducing Waste. Everything we do and every decision we make revolves around those three core principles. The sustainability of the planet and the people in our supply chain are a critical component of our mission. To put these principles into practice, we continue to invest in dynamic agroforestry systems in our cocoa supply chain. By integrating cocoa trees with a diverse mix of tress and crops, these systems help restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, and improve climate resilience while creating additional income opportunities for farming communities. We also strive to reduce waste through thoughtful packaging choices, such as using home-compostable wrappers for our truffles.
How have Alter Eco’s sustainability requirements for its products changed over the past five years?
With global climate change, the availability of raw materials, specifically cacao, has changed for everyone. With Alter Eco's focus on regeneratively farmed, organic and fair trade cacao, this has become even more difficult and expensive to source. However, we believe the consumers are rewarding companies that stay true to their mission and provide transparency in their commitments to sustainability and fair incomes. At the same time, they expect these requirements to be implemented concretely throughout the supply chain.
What added value does HALBA provide to Alter Eco through sustainably produced products?
Alter Eco would not be the company we are today without great partners like HALBA. HALBA's commitment to sustainability and specifically dynamic agroforestry is perfectly aligned with Alter Eco's mission of Restoring Ecosystems. We value the partnership with HALBA to directly support farmers through life changing projects in the regions where we source raw materials. HALBA's commitment to sustainability through green energy, waste management, plastic reduction, etc. also helps fulfill Alter Eco's commitment to consumers and the planet. I often use the phrase, «When you enjoy an Alter Eco product, you're improving the planet, one chocolate bar at a time!». We couldn't say that with integrity without the support of HALBA.
