Established by chocolate brand Tony’s Chocolonely, Tony’s Open Chain is a sourcing initiative that supports companies to transform their cocoa supply chains.
Pip & Nut is just the fourth UK business and first snack brand to become a ‘Mission Ally’, alongside the likes of Waitrose and Huel. International businesses such as Aldi and Ben & Jerry’s have also committed to the Tony’s Open Chain five sourcing principles.
This initiative allows mission allies to compete on chocolate but collaborate on cocoa, amplifying a collective mission for setting a new norm in cocoa. In total there are now 16 mission allies part of Tony’s Open Chain, all committed to end all forms of exploitation in the industry.
The move by Pip & Nut comes as the brand looks to deepen and strengthen its existing commitments to ethical and sustainable sourcing. So far, the business has banned palm oil from its products since day one, sources 100% of its almonds from the Californian Almond Stewardship Programme and commits to working with Food Standards Agency accredited peanut suppliers.
‘Natural next step for Pip & Nut’
Pip & Nut CEO and founder Pippa Murray, who recently appeared on the Food Manufacture podcast, commented: “As a B-Corp we have an important role to play in championing ethical and sustainable sourcing across our supply chain. We’ve already started with our biggest ingredients – our nuts – by becoming one of only four participants in the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative Platform which seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect against drought and the climate crisis through regenerative agriculture.”
Murray then explained that joining Tony’s Open Chain feel like a “natural next step” for the business.
“We’re so proud to be the first UK snacking brand to become a Mission Ally”, she continued.
“From today, our commitment is that all our cocoa will be sourced through the Open Chain, starting with our delicious nut-butter cups, and continuing with any new chocolate product we make. Our hope is that by joining the Open Chain, we can build long-term partnerships with our cocoa suppliers and work collectively to create a fairer, more ethical sector.”
‘Together, we can amplify our impact’
Meanwhile, Tony’s Open Chain UK and Ireland sales manager Kitty Pandya said that the initiative was delighted to welcome Pip & Nut onboard.
“Pip & Nut is a brand which has always and continues to truly advocate ethical and sustainable sourcing, and we welcome their commitment to the Tony’s Open Chain movement – to end exploitation in cocoa, together,” Pandya added.
“This innovative and fast-growing brand joins a group of committed brands and retailers that see a better way of sourcing cocoa. Together, we can amplify our impact and drive meaningful change, working on a brighter future for cocoa farmers and their communities.”
In other news, UK retailer Heron Foods has recalled a chocolate product because of undeclared hazelnuts.
