Mars Named ACE Finalist For Sustainable Cocoa In Indonesia

MCLEAN, Va.Mars, Inc., was named one of the top 12 finalists for the Secretary of States 2013 Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE) for its cocoa sustainability and economic development work in Indonesia.

The company was nominated by Embassy Jakarta, based on the its contribution to Indonesian green growth and sustainable livelihoods and for its good corporate citizenship.

Mars has been producing cocoa powder and cocoa butter in Indonesia since 1996 and has marketed its confectionery and petfood products in Indonesia since the 1980s. The company employs 500 Indonesians and works with about 2,000 smallholder cocoa farmers. 

Mars is committed to making a real difference in the lives of people worldwide, and we are honored to be a finalist for this prestigious award," said Frank Mars, president of Mars Symbioscience and Mars board member. I firmly believe the environmental and community work Mars is doing in Indonesia is a clear example of putting our principles into action to mutually benefit the Indonesian people, the planet and in turn our business interests in the country."

Specifically, Mars introduced technology and skills to thousands of small farmers to increase their cocoa yields and income. The company has developed a network of farm services businesses to supply critical farm inputs, including clonal seedlings, compost and technical support services to create a more sustainable future for cocoa farmers. 

Mars is also being recognized for developing models for sustainable cocoa farming through reduced land use; the company's CDC/CVC model demonstrates the reduced land use and higher farm income benefits of using higher productivity planting material, sustainable soil management including compost fertilizer from recycled farm waste, and consistent application of good agricultural practices.

Further, Mars has provided seed capital to womens groups to start businesses, restored damaged coral reefs and reversed unsustainable fishing.

The 2013 ACE winners will be announced at the annual ceremony hosted by the Secretary of State in early 2014.