Italian confectionery group Ferrero has organized a conference in Milan to promote the responsible and sustainable use of palm oil.
The event comes at a time of increased controversy and debate in Italy regarding the use of the product, with numerous companies introducing palm oil-free product lines.
According to Ferrero Italia chairman and CEO, Alessandro d’Este, “communication on the issue has not always been transparent”, resulting in “frightened and disorientated” consumers.
He pointed out that Ferrero uses 100 per cent sustainable quality palm oil in its products, as requested by one of the most stringent certifications (RSPO). The company also controls its entire oil supply chain – “the oil comes only from fresh squeezed fruit and is processed at a controlled temperature”.
Ferrero has also defined a set of guidelines for sustainable palm oil in order to ensure that their suppliers comply with standards.
Speaking at the same event, Italy’s Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Andrea Olivero, sided with Ferrero on the issue, denouncing the negative campaign against palm oil.
© 2016 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine, click here.
