Our Supply Chain
Our Supply Chain Approach
Our aim is to source more sustainably produced raw materials, boosting incomes and creating mutual benefits for the communities that produce them. We base our decisions on the best available scientific data, collaborate with a variety of partners and work directly with suppliers to achieve lasting results.
How we approach this differs depending on the material. We are applying the same rigorous, structured approach that we have applied to our direct operations to identify, measure and prioritize our supply-chain impacts.
The first step is to identify ingredients where the volume we use gives us greater accountability for - and dependence on - the development of more sustainable production methods, such as cocoa and rice. We have robust programs and partnerships in place to improve agricultural practices for these crops and ensure that the communities we source them from thrive.
Key raw materials by percentage of volume purchased
We purchase large quantities of grains and sugars but do not yet have formal strategies for these ingredients because we are still identifying the best way forward. The pie chart shows the raw materials we purchase most of by volume.
We purchase smaller quantities of other ingredients that have substantial social and environmental impacts, including palm oil, fish and seafood products, tea and coffee and dairy products. We share responsibility for tackling these impacts with many other purchasers and seek industry partnerships through which we can help develop solutions.
We increasingly select and monitor our suppliers to ensure they share our commitment to the quality and sustainability of their products and processes, and to responsibility and respect for their workers and communities. In several cases, we use third-party certification programs to help equip producers with the training and information needed to compete in the market and comply with international labor and environmental standards.
Through the Mars Ambassador Program, each year selected Associates spend up to six weeks building their understanding of the impacts of our sourcing and working with producers to address these impacts.
