RITTER-SPORT.US

Product responsibility

EL CACAO

Ritter Sport's road to its own sustainable cocoa

In 2012 RITTER SPORT did not just celebrate its 100th anniversary, it also marked a new chapter in its commitment tosustainability in Nicaragua. RITTER SPORT purchased land in the eastern part of the country and is now activelyinvolved in the sustainable cultivation of cocoa. The goal is as clear as it is ambitious: cocoa that has been cultivatedin an ecologically and socially responsible manner.

With 2,500 hectares, this is one of the largest cocoa plantations in the world. Cultivation is subject to standards thatallow the plantation to be certified according to UTZ Certified or Rainforest Alliance as soon as it is literally bearingfruits. The first harvest is expected in 2017.

Purchasing land and becoming involved in the sustainable cultivation of cocoa is the most effective way for amedium-sized company like RITTER SPORT to have maximum influence over the ecological and social conditions incocoa cultivation.

What was once fallow land is now a model farm which is forested according to agroforestry standards.Maintaining the existing forests and swamplands as well as building animal bridges will safeguard the biodiversityin the region. The land is cultivated based on the principles of integrated agriculture, which includes, for example,energy efficiency, preventing climate-relevant emissions, sustainable soil fertilization and biodiversity.

In addition to ecological aspects, social issues in cocoa cultivation are the other main reason for RITTER SPORTbeing actively involved. High safety standards, medical care, extensive further education measures and pay abovethe minimum wage in Nicaragua guarantee fair and safe working conditions.

Thus, EL CACAO is the logical result of almost 25 years of RITTER SPORT's commitment in Nicaragua. Thecompany has been supporting small Nicaraguan farmers to sustainably cultivate cocoa since 1990.