Share
Share
12 Years of Partnership in Responsibly Sourced Materials - Global confectioner Ferrero became a member of Earthworm Foundation in November 2013, launching its Palm Oil Charter at the same time. Ferrero sources palm oil from suppliers in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Guatemala.
In 2016, Ferrero became one of the first companies to pilot Starling—a satellite monitoring solution co-developed by Airbus and Earthworm—to track deforestation in its supply chain, setting a benchmark for the industry. Our collaboration has since focused on driving positive change through action plans that enhance environmental and social practices throughout Ferrero’s palm oil supply chain.
In 2019, the partnership expanded to include hazelnuts—a key ingredient for Ferrero. Together, we developed the first Hazelnut Charter, published in January 2021. In 2023, we worked to strengthen its provisions, with Version 2 launched in 2024, reinforcing Ferrero’s commitment to responsible sourcing.
Ferrero and EF collaborated to enhance the Hazelnut Charter, reinforcing its provisions and reaffirming Ferrero’s steadfast commitment to sourcing hazelnuts responsibly.
Ferrero continued using Starling satellite technology to monitor its entire palm oil supply chain, including recent acquisitions. Ferrero also diversified the geographical scope of its action plan for social engagement by joining the Guatemala Social Performance Project, as part of efforts to improve practices across diverse sourcing regions.
Ferrero supported a comprehensive mill and plantation engagement framework with a third-party supplier via a key refinery partner, aiming to help managers adopt stronger ethical recruitment and labour practices
The Community Development Project launched with the aim of implementing a community-based model to address social challenges in Turkey’s hazelnut supply chain, fostering long-term improvements through local engagement and collaboration.
Ferrero endorsed Starling satellite technology to monitor its segregated palm oil supply chain. This strengthened Ferrero’s commitment to transparency and sustainability by enabling real-time monitoring of deforestation and land-use change.
Field visits between August 2019 and August 2020, supported building a clear picture of Turkey´s local context, understanding the roots causes of the challenges within the hazelnut supply chain.
Palm oil is a highly versatile and inexpensive vegetable oil used in many consumer goods products. It is also an extremely efficient crop, producing as much as 10 times per hectare as other vegetable oils. But its role as a major driver of economic growth is also associated with the loss of tropical forest habitats.
In 2015, Ferrero became one of the first companies to source 100% sustainable, RSPO-certified segregated palm oil for all its products. The company leverages satellite monitoring to protect forests within its supply chain, actively supports Earthworm Foundation’s landscape initiatives, and partners closely with suppliers to drive environmental improvements and advance workers' rights.
Hazelnuts are a vital ingredient in numerous products. Our work in hazelnuts focuses on sustainability, ethical practices, and environmental protection to ensure the economic benefits without compromising natural habitats.
In 2021-2022, Ferrero and EF launched a community development approach to incubate and test innovative solutions with farmers and local communities, in collaboration with the Ferrero Farming Values (FFV) program. The goal was to develop a community-based model to prevent child labour in Turkey’s hazelnut supply chain, supporting the company’s commitment to the Hazelnut Charter.
