Sustainable Agriculture Projects

Learn more about how Heinz is implementing sustainable agriculture projects and/or working with other organizations to promote sustainable agriculture methods:

Good Inside Cocoa

Heinz Benelux is one of several partners working together to develop and field test the UTZ Certified Good Inside Code of Conduct for Cocoa. The certification program will help to ensure an ethical cocoa supply chain, particularly in the world’s largest cocoa-producing country, Côte d’Ivoire. By teaching growers safe and more efficient farming practices, the quality and yield of cocoa beans will increase, resulting in a better income for farmers and knowledge to the supply chain. UTZ Certified works together with major stakeholders from industry, government and civil society to help achieve a more sustainable cocoa sector. The Code is internationally recognized, and the goal is to reach many small farmers and involve them in the global supply for responsible cocoa. Heinz is involved in the program because we own three brands known for their chocolate products: De Ruijter, Venz and Kwatta.

Sustainable Rice Project

Heinz China is currently using sustainably harvested rice for Golden Cereals and will transition the entire category to this environmentally friendly rice in Fiscal 2010. The rice supplier is a state-run farm corporation located in the Jiangsu province.  Heinz China has been working with the growers on sustainability and safety improvements and selected a rice specimen after several screenings and workshop trials. A farmer education program was put into place to coach farmers about soil and water testing as well as reducing chemical use.

Palm Oil

Heinz is a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), a not-for-profit association that brings together various stakeholders – including oil palm producers, palm oil processors or traders, consumer goods manufacturers, retailers, banks and investors, environmental or nature conservation NGOs and social or developmental NGOs – to develop and implement global standards for sustainable palm oil.

While Heinz is a minor user of palm oil, we buy palm oil exclusively from suppliers who are members of the RSPO and who ascribe to its principles. Heinz is committed to using certified sustainable palm oil when it becomes truly commercially available.