Archbishop Welcomes Fairtrade Kit Kat

The Archbishop of York at the Launch of the Fairtrade Kit Kat

Dr Sentamu met with David Rennie (Managing Director of Nestle Confectionary), and Harriet Lamb (Executive Director of the Fairtrade Foundation) to oversee the production of the first Fairtrade version of the UK's favourite chocolate biscuit.

Dr Sentamu said:

"I can remember 2 years ago saying that Nestle should make their chocolate Fairtrade, and many people in York stood up to support the campaign for Fairtrade justice. So when I heard that Nestle was making Kit Kat Fairtrade, I simply said 'Wow!'. It goes to show that people can make a difference.

"The fact that Nestle have listened to local campaigners and invested considerable time, effort and financial support to make this Fairtrade biscuit a reality is fantastic news.

"I have visited the workers at the co-operative in the Ivory Coast who will benefit from Kit Kat four-finger bar becoming Fairtrade, and I know that this is a real step forward in giving them the justice, recognition and pay they deserve.

"The next step is to make all other produce Fairtrade where possible – in particular my own favourite, the Yorkie!" This will depend largely on the Ivory Coast producing the large quantity and quality needed for Nestle to deliver the product. Nestle must be congratulated in going beyond the profit margin.

"In the Ivory Coast, Nestle has invested heavily in a research centre for delivering millions of high quality cocoa trees, which also has the potential to develop millet, sorghum, cassava and coffee. This is breath-taking for all concerned. Fairtrade Yorkie – here we come!"