Mars Wrigley, a leader in treating and snacking, recognized for its leadership in social impact and sustainability
Mars Wrigley recently announced its recognition at this year’s World Procurement Congress for the excellence and resilience shown by its procurement team worldwide in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The recognition was part of a one-off celebration entitled “Extraordinary Stories!” featuring organizations across the globe and recognizing how procurement has stepped up in times of strain to protect local communities and support business performance. Mars Wrigley was selected by the Procurement Leaders Selection Board as they believe their actions exemplified the category.
Additionally, Mars Wrigley received high commendations at the World Sustainability Awards 2021 for the Sustainable Supply Chain Award as an innovator paving the way for a deforestation-free palm oil supply chain through its supplier simplification efforts. These honors reflect Mars Wrigley’s contribution to the Sustainable in a Generation plan, which envisions a future where the planet is healthy, people and pets are thriving, and society is inclusive.
Procurement Leaders, the world’s largest procurement network and intelligence platform, honored Mars Wrigley at its annual conference on October 13, 2021, assembling a community of 775+ leading global companies. The Mars Cocoa Sustainable Sourcing team was recognized for its collaborative work to provide COVID-19 response and recovery efforts in cocoa growing countries (Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Indonesia, Brazil, Ecuador). Watch a short film about this achievement here.
Cocoa is not only one of the key ingredients of Mars Wrigley’s iconic chocolate brands, but it is central to the livelihoods of an estimated 350,000 farmers in the global cocoa supply chain. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted cocoa farming communities particularly hard and exacerbated the difficulties of daily living. Mars Wrigley mobilized resources and distributed more than 110,000 hygiene kits and 13,000 washing stations to communities, along with PPE donations to local hospitals in Indonesia and food supplements and support to families in Indonesia and Brazil. $2.6 million of Mars Wrigley’s investment with CARE was dedicated to supporting access to healthcare, equipment, medications and services to families and children in need.
“We are proud of the recognition as we depend on cocoa farming communities, and this mutual relationship drives us to continuously strive to create a sustainable cocoa supply chain where the environment is protected, human rights are respected, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. However, we realize there is more to be done. The ongoing threat posed by the pandemic requires our continued commitment and action to tackle the environmental and societal threats faced by the cocoa supply chain. Guided by our Cocoa for Generations strategy, we remain as committed as ever to creating a more modern, inclusive and sustainable cocoa supply chain for future generations,” Global Vice President of Mars Wrigley Cocoa Amber Johnson said.
The Procurement Leaders Selection Board commented: “This global initiative by Mars is a really impressive way to support the communities and suppliers that it depends on throughout the crisis.”
In 2019, Mars announced its Palm Positive Plan, with the goal of delivering 100% deforestation-free palm oil by the end of 2020 and to advance respect for human rights across its suppliers’ extended supply chains. Through the implementation of the plan, the company has significantly simplified the Mars palm oil supply chain – moving from more than 1,500 mills to fewer than 100 in 2021 with plans for further reductions by 2022. With a shorter supply chain comprised of partners who are committed to driving improvements in management systems and working conditions, it can increase accountability, influence, and connectivity.
“Mars has transformed how we source palm oil. Our focus on rigorous mapping, management and monitoring of a radically simplified supply chain allowed us to deliver a deforestation free palm oil supply chain by 2020. We are committed to extending our impact through suppliers who are deforestation free across all their palm, not only that which they sell to Mars, and by collaborating with industry to share learnings for example in the CGF Forest Positive Coalition.” Chief Sustainability Officer at Mars Wrigley Alastair Child said.
To learn more about Mars Wrigley’s commitments and policies, click here.
