/>i- Mondelēz International Inc. has been sued for allegedly using deceptive sustainability claims regarding its cocoa supply chain. According to the plaintiffs, Mondelēz’s supply chain “really contributes to ‘grievous and unsustainable labor abuses.’”
- Mondelēz launched its “Cocoa Life” program in 2012 to “help make cocoa sourcing more sustainable in key cocoa-producing countries.” Mondelēz affixes the Cocoa Life logo on its products to represent that those products “protect the planet” and “respect the human rights of people within our own operations and in our value chain.” However, according to the complaint, farms in Mondelēz’s supply chains are linked to unfair labor practices, hazardous child labor, and deforestation; therefore, the products are not responsibly sourced or sustainable, and the Cocoa Life logo is misleading.
- The product packaging directs consumers to the Cocoa Life website, which explains that the products “help enhance child protection systems” and improve communities and forests. The plaintiffs allege that these misrepresentations are false and deceptive because sustainability and ethical sourcing is important to consumers and “a majority of consumers would stop buying from brands they believe are unethical,” but that Mondelēz hides the unethical practices in its supply chain to sell products at higher prices.
- This is the second suit this year alleging that Mondelēz “greenwashes” its products with deceptive labeling that “hides evidence of environmental degradation, child labor and child slavery in its supply chain.” The first complaint, filed in January 2024, is set for a dismissal hearing in November.
Mondelēz Sued for Deceptive Cocoa Sustainability Labeling
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
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