Cocoa guideline

Cocoa is the main ingredient in chocolate. It is cultivated in some of the poorest regions in the world. Two-thirds of all cocoa is produced in West Africa, mainly on small family plantations. The majority of cocoa is consumed in western countries, where it is used especially to make chocolate. Cocoa is one of the ingredients where production carries a high risk of human rights and environmental violations.

Cocoa guideline objectives

The cocoa used in Kesko’s own brand cocoa drinks, chocolate confectionaries and chocolate baking goods is 100% of sustainable origin. In other products containing cocoa as an ingredient, the cocoa will be 100% of sustainable origin by the end year 2027.

Certifications accepted for cocoa

K Group accepts the following certificates for cocoa:
• Fairtrade certificate
• Rainforest Alliance certificate 

The cocoa policy was published on 23 May 2019 and last reviewed on 12 February 2025. 

Progress of the objectives of the cocoa guideline in 2025

100% of the Pirkka, Pirkka Parhaat and K-Menu cocoa drinks, chocolate confectionery products and chocolate baking products sold in 2025 contained sustainable cocoa of which 94% were Rainforest Alliance certified and 6% Fairtrade certified. The cocoa used in other Pirkka, Pirkka Parhaat and K-Menu products containing cocoa was 63% of sustainable origin.

100% of Kespro Menu cocoa drinks, chocolate confectionery products and chocolate baking products sold in 2025 contained sustainable cocoa, of which 100% were Fairtrade certified. The cocoa used in other Menu products containing cocoa was 71% of sustainable origin.

Progress in 2021-2025: