In today’s global marketplace, transparency is no longer optional, it is expected. Consumers, retailers, and business partners alike are demanding clarity around where ingredients come from, how they are sourced, and under what conditions.

For E.Wedel, Poland’s most iconic chocolate brand, this expectation is not just a trend, it’s a responsibility. As a company with over 175 years of tradition in crafting chocolate, E.Wedel embraces the challenge of sourcing raw materials ethically, sustainably, and with full transparency.

A tradition built on integrity

Founded in 1851, E.Wedel has been a household name across generations of chocolate lovers in Poland and beyond. With heritage comes responsibility, not only to uphold the quality of products but also to align practices with evolving societal expectations. Today, that means making a clear and honest commitment to responsible sourcing, particularly when it comes to cocoa, the heart of every E.Wedel creation.

Transparency in cocoa sourcing

At the core of E.Wedel’s sourcing strategy is cocoa, an ingredient often surrounded by challenges such as poor working conditions, deforestation, and child labor in parts of the global supply chain. E.Wedel has responded by becoming part of structured, verifiable programs that promote traceability, farmer welfare, and environmental protection.

A significant share of E.Wedel’s cocoa is sourced through certified sustainable initiatives such as Rainforest Alliance and Cocoa Horizons. These programs ensure that cocoa is grown in conditions that support farmers’ livelihoods, respect human rights, and preserve natural ecosystems.

 

Furthermore, E.Wedel is committed to maintaining direct oversight over its cocoa supply chains. The company works closely with suppliers to ensure full traceability, from bean to bar. This level of transparency allows the company to identify areas for improvement, assess supplier compliance, and act swiftly when standards are not met.

Beyond cocoa - full-spectrum responsibility

While cocoa remains central to responsible sourcing, E.Wedel extends its transparency efforts to other key ingredients such as sugar, milk, and nuts. For example:

• Milk: sourced primarily from trusted dairy suppliers, ensuring freshness and quality while reducing transport emissions.

• Sugar: obtained from verified European sources, with supply partners who comply with EU environmental and labor standards.

• Nuts and inclusions: carefully selected based on origin, allergen control, and fair labor conditions.

Each ingredient used in E.Wedel products is vetted not only for taste and safety but also for sustainability, traceability, and compliance with corporate ethics.

Supplier code of conduct and audits

Transparency in sourcing also involves setting clear expectations. E.Wedel’s Supplier Code of Conduct outlines the company’s standards for environmental care, safe working conditions, and human rights protections. Every supplier must agree to adhere to this code as part of their engagement.

To enforce this, E.Wedel implements periodic audits, both scheduled and unannounced, of high-risk supply chains. These audits assess labor conditions, environmental practices, and ethical compliance. Non-compliance is taken seriously and addressed without delay. E.Wedel works closely with suppliers to resolve issues or, when necessary, to end partnerships that fail to meet required standards.

Supporting cocoa communities

Responsible sourcing does not end with the purchase of ethically grown beans. E.Wedel supports long-term projects that improve the lives of cocoa-farming communities. Among these initiatives:

• Training farmers in sustainable agricultural practices

• Supporting access to education for children in cocoa-producing regions together with Omena Mensah Foundation

• Promoting gender equality both in farming communities and within our business operations

• Encouraging reforestation and agroforestry models

These initiatives are often carried out in collaboration with international NGOs and certification partners.

Consumer education and brand transparency

E.Wedel understands that consumers are more conscious than ever before. Packaging and brand communications are increasingly used to educate customers about sustainable sourcing, ethical production, and the brand’s impact goals.

Through its website, social media, and in-store materials, E.Wedel explains what certifications mean, why ethical sourcing matters, and how each consumer purchase contributes to a fairer supply chain.

A journey, not a destination

E.Wedel’s journey toward fully responsible and transparent sourcing is ongoing. The company continues to expand its certified cocoa portfolio and seeks greater traceability for all raw materials. Challenges remain, such as standardising data from different suppliers and ensuring transparency in complex global logistics, but the direction is clear.

By holding itself accountable, working transparently, and prioritizing ethical relationships with suppliers, E.Wedel not only maintains its position as a beloved chocolate brand but also emerges as a leader in responsible sourcing within Central and Eastern Europe.