Delicata

Why does Delicata participate in Tony's Open Chain?

We want to make a difference. For that reason, we think it is important to structurally contribute to a better life for the cocoa farmers with whom we collaborate. As long as child labor and modern slavery in the cocoa industry still exist, there is no reason to be 100% happy about chocolate. Since 2010 all Delicata chocolate letters and chocolate bars of Albert Heijn have been the first to be UTZ certified. UTZ certified farmers use better agricultural methods, with respect for people and nature. By participating in Tony's Open Chain, we are taking an important next step towards achieving a transparent and sustainable cocoa chain. As the first chocolate brand, we are going to buy cocoa according to the 5 principles of Tony's Open Chain:

• Traceable cocoa beans
• A higher price
• Strong farmers
• The long term
• Better quality and productivity

Who wants Albert Heijn to invite to join Tony's Open Chain and how would Delicata approach that party?

Extreme poverty is one of the main causes of social abuses in the cocoa industry. One way to reduce the problems is to pay a livable income for the cocoa farmers with whom we collaborate. This becomes possible by applying the five sourcing principles of Tony’s Chocolonely. Also, anonymity is no longer part of the production chain. Tony's Open Chain offers more knowledge, transparency and tools. Such as Tony's Beantracker or the "Child Labor Monitoring and Remediation System" that has been entered at all of Tony's Chocolonely's partner cooperatives. This determines who grows the cocoa beans and under which circumstances this takes place. Possible abuses can therefore be better addressed.

What does Albert Heijn expect from Tony's Open Chain?

Albert Heijn hopes that different retailers and brands will follow, so we can actually say "Together we make chocolate 100% slave free". The intention of this initiative is to increase the positive movement. The more producers and brands will follow, the better.

Why does Albert Heijn choose to change the value chain of chocolate?

Globally, still a lot of child labor in the cocoa industry exist and this problem is even growing. According to the latest figures, 2.1 million children work in the cocoa sector in West Africa. That is 100,000 more than four years ago. Manufacturer Barry Callebaut has set itself the goal to operate fully sustainable in 2025. As Albert Heijn we also want to contribute to this change.

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How does Tony's Open Chain fit into Albert Heijn's own vision?

Delicata wants to make as many people happy with chocolate. This applies to all chocolate lovers, but also to the cocoa farmers with whom we collaborate. By working in the long term and through the five principles of Tony's Open Chain, we provide a livable income for the cocoa farmers. By doing this we can actually say: "Chocolate Happiness for All"

How does Albert Heijn see the role as international retailer in the Tony's Open Chain approach?

As a major retail buyer of cocoa, Albert Heijn has an important role to exercise responsibility over our chains. By participating in Tony's Open Chain and expanding into a new cooperative of cocoa farmers, we can increase the positive impact of better working conditions and higher wages for cocoa farmers in Africa.

How does Albert Heijn see its role as a retailer in the global cocoa industry at branch level?

As a retailer with a lot of influence on the daily life of the customer, it’s important that we take our responsibility. By cooperating with Tony's Chocolonely, we contribute to a positive development of the sector.