World Food Day: Autogrill Bistrots support the fair trade chocolate industry

In collaboration with the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Altromercato, a leading force for fair trade, Autogrill is promoting the organic quality of products from small agricultural  producers in the southern hemisphere.

From 12 October onwards, customers in the five Bistrot points of sale in the urban network and at Fiumicino International Airport will find a delicious selection of Mascao organic chocolate, with cocoa from Bolivia and Mascobado whole cane sugar from the Philippines.

An assortment with something for everyone’s tastes – from traditional milk and/or extra-plain to more exciting combinations such as rice & quinoa, coconut or pomegranate  – enabling Bistrot customers to choose quality and at the same time support the virtuous circle of the ethical fair trade economy, thus contributing to the wellbeing of everyone, consumers and small producers alike.

The cocoa in bars of Mascao chocolate is cultivated in Bolivia by El Ceibo, an organization of 47 small cocoa farming cooperatives which improve the quality of life for around 1,150 members. It’s supported by the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Altromercato, one of Fair Trade’s founder groups.

For Autogrill, this initiative comes under a 3-year agreement entered with the FAO in 2015 to reduce food waste and support small farmers, and is an integral part of AFuture, the programme with which the Group intends to integrate sustainability in its business strategies.

El Ceibo

Founded in 1977, it has always based its business on the principles of cooperative enterprise and agroecology. It was the first cocoa growing organization in the world to obtain organic certification. El Ceibo now produces around 70% of all the organic cocoa grown in Bolivia. It has nine certifications, including fair trade certification, and distributes its products on both the home and international markets. In 2016, the organization posted record profits, over half of which was redistributed amongst its members, the rest being reinvested in the organization itself. El Ceibo’s business is a fine example of how small producers organized in a democratically run enterprise can create a sustainable economic model for the benefit of their communities and the environment.

Altromercato

Altromercato is the biggest fair trade consortium in Italy. It has been developing projects for 30 years now to safeguard people’s rights and the environment and guarantee ethical supply chains and quality products.