Dirk Van de Put, chairman and CEO of Mondelēz, said it is important for the snacking giant to produce snacks more sustainably, using less energy, water and waste, as well as sourcing its key ingredients in ways that reduce deforestation.
“Having a positive impact on our planet and the communities we do business in is core to who we are as a company,” he said.
“We’re empowering farmers and investing in community programs that help improve the well-being of children and their families.”
Progress with sustainability
According to the company’s recently released Impact for Growth Progress report, Mondelēz reduced its CO2 emissions and water use by 10% and 25%, respectively, in 2017.
The Oreo maker also eliminated 53,000 metric tons of packaging during the same year, achieving 80% of its 2020 goal, and ramped up environmentally sustainable practices in wheat production across Europe through its Harmony Sustainable Wheat program, reducing pesticide use by 20%.
Earlier this year, the company announced it was expanding its Harmony Sustainable Wheat program to ensure that its entire European biscuit production will be made from sustainable wheat within the next five years.
It added that, by last year, 15% of its global eggs sourced were cage-free and it is on track to achieve 100% in the US and Canada by 2020 and in the rest of the world by 2025.
Expanding healthy snacks
In addition to increasing sustainability, Mondelēz also expanded its healthy snacks over the past year with its well-being brands growing at twice the rate of its base portfolio.
It said it had “delivered 12.8% of revenue from portion control snacks – individually wrapped and 200 calories or less, and on target to achieve 2020 goal of 15%.”
In terms of reformulation, the company said it had reduced sodium by 1.4% across its total snack portfolio and 2% in Oreo globally. It also reduced saturated fat in Barni soft cakes by 13% and in Ritz and TUC crackers by 2% and 3%, respectively, and reduced sugar by 1% across global belVita.
Mondelēz also doubled the amount of whole grain in Club Social crackers in Latin America.