New York, NY—Loacker, which creates wafers, patisseries, and chocolates, has announced its accelerated sustainability plans for 2022 and beyond—plans which include 100% sustainable cocoa by 2025.

"As a company, we've prioritized the finest ingredients and cared for the world around us and for each other for nearly a century," said TJ Rooney, President, Loacker USA, in the press release. "With the start of a new year, we recognize that the need for sustainable products and practices is more critical than ever, which is why we will continue to go above and beyond with every product and decision we make."

Building on the Non-GMO Project Certification earned by the company’s Quadratini and Classic lines, the company is adding the goals of engaging 600 acres in fertilizer optimization by 2022, and of sourcing cocoa and other ingredients deforestation-free and conversion-free by 2025.

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Loacker is running several projects intended to help it create sustainable and ethical products, including:
  • The Sustainable Cocoa Farming Project, which uses only ethically sourced and sustainably produced chocolate. Through collaboration with two cooperatives in the Ivory Coast and Ecuador, Loacker is able to guarantee sustainability and control of the supply chain as well as fair conditions for the farmers and fair payments.
  • The Noccioleti Italiani Project, which enables Loacker to ensure the supply of 100% herbicide-free Italian hazelnuts, and has incentivized the introduction of hazelnut orchards in new areas through long-term agreements with 80 farms in six different regions of northern and central Italy. Earlier this year, Loacker sustainably harvested its 1 millionth hazelnut.
  • The Alpine Milk Initiative, which dries milk and whey for Loacker's chocolate and creams, using Non-GMO Alpine milk sourced directly from Loacker's surroundings in the Alps, where small dairy farmers keep a small number of cows.
  • The Madagascar Vanilla Project, which works directly with small groups of local farmers north of Madagascar, fostering development through positive community and ecological activities and ensuring the quality of vanilla pods used in the creation of Loacker products.