Waitrose has extended its roll-out of Fairtrade certification to its own label chocolate lines, the latest development in its sustainable supply chain.

The retailer’s two most popular own label block chocolate ranges - Seriously and Belgian - now carry the FAIRTRADE Mark to reflect the fact that the cocoa and sugar, among other ingredients, have been sourced on Fairtrade terms. Sales of the two newly certified ranges are currently up by a third.

Earlier this year, Waitrose announced a kind partnership with the Fairtrade Foundation, whereby both sides work collaboratively to share best practice, experiences and a joint ambition to build upon their sustainable supply chain models. The partnership also means that the work of the Waitrose Foundation is recognised by the Fairtrade Foundation, the first time the organisation verified a third-party scheme.