Ben & Jerry’s, the Unilever ice-cream brand, is engaging in a cross-branding venture with Tony’s Chocolonely based on fair treatment for cocoa farm workers.
The two brands are known for their social-justice initiatives and missions. Holland-based Tony’s Chocolonely was founded by journalists who wished to draw attention to conditions on cocoa farms in West Africa, which produces most of the world’s supply. The cross-branded products will use cocoa that meets standards for fair wages and traceability.
Ben & Jerry’s will produce Chocolately Love A-Fair, inspired by Tony’s Chocolonely’s milk caramel sea salt bar. For its part, Tony’s will put out two flavors, dark milk chocolate with brownie and white chocolate strawberry cheesecake style, inspired by popular Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavors. These products will be available early next year.
Ben & Jerry’s already pays farmers a premium for cocoa through Fairtrade. It will now also commit to Tony's 5 Sourcing Principles which means, among other things, also paying a fee to further support the partner co-operatives in Côte d'Ivoire.
"We are serious about chocolatey ice cream, and we are eager to join forces with Tony's Open Chain as a Mission Ally, on a delicious journey towards a more ethical future for cocoa production that all chocolate lovers deserve," Cheryl Pinto, Ben & Jerry's global head of values-led sourcing, said in a statement.
