Nestlé's products, KitKat and Nescafé Gold Alta Rica, have demonstrated that mass-market products can be designed in a way that supports better outcomes for nature, as recognised in the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's Big Food Redesign Challenge.
These two powerhouse brands were among 141 products that advanced through the Challenge, showcasing our commitment to responsible sourcing and innovative approaches to sustainability. The two brands demonstrate how mainstream products can lead the charge in transforming our food system for the better.
"It's a fantastic honour to be recognised by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Participating in this Challenge was significant for the team at Nestlé; it reinforces our belief that mainstream brands, like KitKat and Nescafé, must take responsibility and play their full part in helping to reshape the food industry. We aim to lead by example, demonstrating that sustainability is not just an add-on but a fundamental aspect of our business strategy," shared Cheryl Allen, Head of Sustainability at Nestlé Confectionery Europe.
What is the Big Food Redesign Challenge?
The current food industry is a major contributor to biodiversity loss and accounts for one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. In response to these pressing challenges, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation launched the Big Food Redesign Challenge, urging brands and retailers to rethink food design to regenerate nature and foster a circular economy.
This initiative inspired 57 ambitious producers, start-ups, FMCGs, brands, SMEs, and retailers worldwide to rethink their ingredients and production methods. These products have been redesigned in line with the Circular Design for Food Framework, incorporating upcycled, diverse and lower impact ingredients whilst ensuring transparency in sourcing practices, to ultimately keep nature in mind.
What about KitKat and Nescafé Gold Alta Rica specifically?
KitKat
First launched in 1935 in York, North Yorkshire, KitKat remains a beloved British classic. The brand started its journey towards sustainable cocoa in 2009, when the first products in the range achieved third-party certification. In 2016, it became the first chocolate brand to achieve 100% certified cocoa globally. Through collaborations with the Rainforest Alliance and a range of other partners, we are dedicated to improving the livelihoods of cocoa farming families, tackling child labour risks in the supply chain, and promoting regenerative farming through the Nestlé Cocoa Plan and the innovative Income Accelerator Programme.
Since 2003, our partnership with First Milk, a British farmer-owned dairy co-operative, has ensured that we source high quality milk, an essential ingredient for KitKat chocolate, from local farms within 50 miles of our Girvan factory in Ayrshire. Working closely with First Milk means we can support dairy farmers who are working hard to reduce carbon emissions and improve biodiversity on farmland.
"In our commitment to regenerative farming, we encourage farmers to plant cover crops, preventing soil erosion and preserving vital carbon in the ground. This approach not only enhances the health of the soil but also contributes to the overall resilience of the farmland," said Cheryl.
Since 2024, all KitKat bars in Europe are wrapped in recycled plastic*. Currently these wrappers can be recycled at supermarkets across the UK as well as at home in an increasing number of areas; in the Republic of Ireland, they can be added to household recycling. This wrapping helps us to reduce the use of virgin plastic and support the shift towards a circular economy for plastics while maintaining product safety and quality.
Nescafé Gold Alta Rica
Crafted with 100% Arabica beans from Latin America, Nescafé Gold Alta Rica has been a staple in Europe since 1960. The Nescafé brand is on a mission to reduce its carbon footprint year-on-year while transparently sharing its progress.
Through 100% responsible coffee sourcing and production processes, Nescafé ensures that its coffee beans are ethically and sustainably grown. We support coffee farmers to enhance their lands and livelihoods while embracing the principles of the Circular Design for Food framework.
To ensure transparency and accountability, we have implemented Life Cycle Assessments on our coffee range to measure its carbon footprint. Since 2018, the Nescafé brand has diligently worked to optimise its coffee bean usage, achieving a 7% reduction in the carbon footprint of the finished product, all whilst maintaining the bold and intense taste that consumers love.