Supermarkets aim for sustainable cashews

Dutch supermarkets, united under the Centraal Bureau Levensmiddelenhandel (CBL), have taken an ambitious step towards making their product range more sustainable. The goal is to have all private label cashew snack nuts sustainably certified by 2030. This initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce the environmental and climate impact of food chains and to improve working conditions.

European legislation and sustainability

By 2027, all large companies in Europe must comply with the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). This directive requires companies to identify and address risks in their supply chains. For the cashew supply chain, this involves focusing on issues such as water usage, CO2 emissions, living wages, and child labor. Supermarkets see opportunities to mitigate these risks by collectively pushing for further sustainability in the cashew supply chain.

Certification and standards

The agreement specifies that by 2030, all private label cashew snack nuts must be sustainably certified. This means that the nuts must meet the certification requirements of the 'Cashew Basket of Standards'. These standards include certifications such as Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade, and Sustainably Grown Certified. By opting for these certifications, supermarkets aim to contribute to better conditions for farmers and processors in the supply chain.

Complexity of the cashew supply chain

The cashew supply chain is complex, involving millions of small-scale farmers in developing countries. The nuts are often sold and transported through an intricate network, making it difficult to trace their origin. This complexity necessitates further research into various sustainability issues. Therefore, the supermarkets affiliated with the CBL have decided to conduct additional research into the sustainability of the cashew supply chain.

Cbl.nl