The human rights organization Südwind and the environmental protection organization Global 2000 have now investigated 39 chocolate Easter bunnies and other figures. The result: most chocolate products performed well, but eleven failed the test for social and environmental sustainability.
This includes well-known brands such as Ferrero, Mondelez, Mars and Lindt & Sprüngli. An example of the poor performance is that many cocoa beans that Austrian companies buy come from Ghana and Ivory Coast. Child labor and forced labor are a problem in both countries, as are extremely low incomes for cocoa farmers. “Consumers have the right to know under what conditions their chocolate is produced. This requires independent checks on production conditions (…),” says Gudrun Glocker from Südwind.
More than 70 percent have a quality mark
A total of 39 products were tested and were available in Austrian retailers until March 8. More than 70 percent of them have at least one independent quality mark. In addition to the Fairtrade quality mark, nine chocolate Easter bunnies also carry the EU organic quality mark. The test winners are the EZA chocolate bunny from the world shops, the Billa organic Easter bunnies and the Veggie and Natur Pur organic Easter bunnies from Spar. Also included are the Bio Natura chocolate bunny from Hofer, the Riegelein Organic Fairtrade Easter bunny and the noble bitter bunnies from Berger Confiserie.
Things didn’t always go well for vegans
“It is very gratifying that the supply of eco-fair chocolate bunnies continues to increase. “The companies are responding to the growing awareness among consumers for more socially and environmentally sustainable chocolate,” said Gudrun Glocker of Südwind and Lisa Grasl of Global 2000 in a press release.
Chocolate products without milk are a further boost for greater animal welfare. This time the team took a closer look at nine vegan Easter bunnies and awarded three the best marks. One vegan product failed completely – namely the Hello Bunny Vegan from Lindt & Sprüngli. “The ingredients, such as the cocoa, may come from questionable sources (…),” says Lisa Grasl. The annual sustainability check is intended to help you make a choice when making a purchase.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
