Barry Callebaut Sets Path to Net Zero by 2050 with New Decarbonization Roadmap

Barry Callebaut Sets Path to Net Zero by 2050 with New Decarbonization Roadmap

(IN BRIEF) Barry Callebaut has launched its Net Zero Roadmap, outlining its plan to fully decarbonize its value chain and reach Net Zero emissions by 2050. The roadmap sets an interim target of reducing emissions by 30% by 2030, focusing on areas like cocoa and dairy farming, which contribute the most to the company’s carbon footprint. Developed with input from environmental consultancy Quantis, the strategy emphasizes renewable energy, low-carbon agriculture, and collaboration with suppliers and customers. Barry Callebaut aims to become a leader in sustainable chocolate solutions, helping to fight climate change and support a healthier planet.

(PRESS RELEASE) ZURICH, 21-Sep-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Barry Callebaut has launched its Net Zero Roadmap, marking a significant advancement in its commitment to sustainability. The roadmap outlines the company’s strategy to fully decarbonize its value chain, aligning with the global objective of limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C. The company has set ambitious targets to reduce emissions by 30% by 2030 and achieve full Net Zero status by 2050.

Peter Feld, CEO of Barry Callebaut, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “At Barry Callebaut, we believe that protecting the climate is essential not just for the planet, but for the future of our business. We are now prepared to turn these ambitious plans into actionable steps, working closely with our customers.”

Commitment to Carbon Reduction

Barry Callebaut has been actively working on reducing its carbon footprint since 2016, achieving significant milestones along the way. In 2019, it became the first company to receive SustainCert certification for carbon removals through agroforestry, part of its strategy to become forest positive by 2025. Building on these achievements, the company’s new roadmap follows its 2023 commitment to reach Net Zero by 2050, with interim goals aligned with the Paris Agreement.

Collaborative Approach and Strategic Planning

The Net Zero Roadmap was developed with the assistance of environmental consultancy Quantis, incorporating insights from various stakeholders. The strategy identifies over 30 reduction measures across five key areas, focusing primarily on emissions from cocoa and dairy farming, which account for the majority of the company’s carbon footprint. Key initiatives include transitioning to renewable energy, adopting biofuels and electric vehicles, and promoting low-carbon agricultural methods such as agroforestry.

Tilmann Silber, Head of Net Zero at Barry Callebaut, remarked, “Transitioning to a Net Zero company is a significant challenge, but through innovation and collaboration, we are committed to driving sustainability for our customers.”

Collaborative Effort for a Sustainable Future

Recognizing the scale of the task, Barry Callebaut stresses the need for collaboration across its entire value chain. The company is actively working with suppliers, partners, and customers to implement sustainable practices and share the responsibility for emissions reduction.

“Our goal is to become the leading provider of Net Zero chocolate solutions,” said Peter Feld. “With this roadmap, we are ready to turn our vision into reality, working alongside our customers to create a healthier planet.”

About Barry Callebaut Group:

With annual sales of about CHF 8.5 billion in fiscal year 2022/23, the Zurich-based Barry Callebaut Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of chocolate and cocoa products – from sourcing and processing cocoa beans to producing the finest chocolates, including chocolate fillings, decorations and compounds. The Group runs 66 production facilities worldwide and employs a diverse and dedicated global workforce of more than 13,000 people. The Barry Callebaut Group serves the entire food industry, from industrial food manufacturers to artisanal and professional users of chocolate, such as chocolatiers, pastry chefs, bakers, hotels, restaurants or caterers. The global brands catering to the specific needs of these Gourmet customers are Callebaut® and Cacao Barry®, Carma® and the decorations specialist Mona Lisa®. The Barry Callebaut Group is committed to make sustainable chocolate the norm to help ensure future supplies of cocoa and improve farmer livelihoods. It supports the Cocoa Horizons Foundation in its goal to shape a sustainable cocoa and chocolate future.

Media Contact:

Media Analysts:
Kai Hummel
Global of Head of Communications
Barry Callebaut AG
+41 43 204 15 22
media@barry-callebaut.com

Investors and Financial Analysts:
Sophie Lang
Head of Investor Relations
Barry Callebaut AG
+41 79 275 83 95
investorrelations@barry-callebaut.com

SOURCE: Barry Callebaut