Efforts to procure sustainable cacao
Aeon procures products based on the Aeon Sustainable Procurement Principles with the aim of achieving both the sustainability of natural resources and the continuous development of business activities. To further advance this sourcing principle, we have set a new goal to transform the raw materials used in all cocoa sold under Aeon.
To achieve this goal, we will expand the procurement of raw materials that have acquired third-party certification, such as fair trade, a practice we have been actively engaged in. We will develop procurement plans tailored to the situation of each production area, fostering collaboration between producers and workers. Our aim is to provide support for addressing the challenges faced by these communities.
Sustainable Cacao Procurement
We will assess the sustainability of cacao using one of the following methods.
●Utilization of raw materials certified by a third party accredited by Aeon.
(Example) International Fair Trade Certification etc.
● Aeon provides direct support to projects aimed at addressing social issues faced by producers and workers, contributing to the sustainable development of production areas.
(Example) Addressing issues related to living conditions and compensation, engaging in environmental conservation activities, enhancing the working environment, and expanding educational opportunities, among others.
What Is Fair Trade?
Fair trade is not about making donations to producers in vulnerable positions residing in developing nations. Instead, it is a system designed to facilitate trade, enabling producers to achieve independence by consistently buying their products at a fair price. When products purchased at a fair price are sold to customers at Aeon, we can sustain our support for these producers.
This initiative originated from customer requests.
In 2002, a customer made a request, stating, 'I want Aeon to serve as a pipeline that connects everyday living to international contributions.' Fair trade is a form of international contribution that Aeon is well-positioned to provide, with the customer playing the leading role.
(Photo: Coffee producers in Mexico)
Aeon Offers a Wide Variety of Fair Trade Products
In addition to developing products under the TOPVALU brand, Aeon offers fair trade products across each group company.
Fairtrade Certified Initiatives
What Is Fairtrade Certification?
By implementing a comprehensive management system that spans to the production areas of raw materials, it serves as evidence of the reliability of products in all phases from producers to customers in Japan. The Fairtrade certified label licensing business, product certification business, and fair trade education and awareness activities in Japan are conducted by the certified NPO Fairtrade Label Japan.
Opportunities for Producers through Fair Trade
- Receive 'information for producing high-quality products,' 'fair prices,' and 'premiums,' while prioritizing environmental protection.
- Enhance their child's education and contribute to the improvement of the local environment independently.
Are You Familiar with Two Fair Trade Labels?
Fairtrade Certified Label
This label ensures that each stage of the process, from the production of raw materials through import/export, processing, and manufacturing, up to the products, complies with the International Fairtrade Standards regulated by Fairtrade International. This label serves as proof that the product is safeguarded by adhering to these standards. In principle, fair trade certification requires the use of 100% certified raw materials, and products with a fair trade content of 20% or more in all raw materials are eligible for certification.
International Fair Trade Raw Material Procurement Label (FSI Label)
It is mainly used for composite products and indicates that the raw material listed on the tab is procured through fair trade. The company promises to increase the procurement amount of the fair trade certified raw materials to the producers, evaluates each other every year, and aims to increase the procurement amount.
