The Origin of Our Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are a key raw material for Lindt & Sprüngli chocolate products. We source them primarily from Italy and Turkey. The supply chain in the Turkish Black Sea region, where approximately 70% of the world’s hazelnut harvest originates, has high risks related to labor conditions such as the health and safety of farm workers, child labor, and seasonal workers’ working and accommodation conditions. We collaborate closely with our Turkish suppliers to implement programs to improve the economic, agricultural, social, and environmental sustainability of hazelnut sourcing. We have long-term relationships with selected suppliers and a stable farmer base.
The Traceability of Our Hazelnuts
In 2020, we reached our goal and sourced 100% of Turkish raw (unprocessed) hazelnuts through sustainability programs. We even surpassed our commitment by integrating processed hazelnuts into the scope of our sustainable sourcing activities in Turkey. As in previous years, we continue to work closely with our Turkish hazelnut suppliers in 2022 and support them as they expand and improve their sustainability programs. Our hazelnut sourcing model is based on long-term relationships with select suppliers and a stable farmer base. All our Turkish suppliers are members of the Fair Labor Association (FLA). Following the same structure as the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program for cocoa, our hazelnut program is based on four pillars:
- Traceability and farmer organization
- Training and knowledge transfer
- Farmer investments and community development
- Verification and continuous progress