A new cross-industry alliance backed by major grocery and confectionery brands including Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and Ferrero has launched in Parliament to call for urgent UK action on deforestation regulation.

The newly formed UK Cocoa Coalition brings together traders, manufacturers, retailers and NGOs to push the Government to bring Forest Risk Commodities regulations into force and provide greater clarity for businesses working to build responsibly sourced cocoa supply chains.

Alongside the supermarket and brand names, coalition members include Barry Callebaut, Tony’s Chocolonely and The Hershey Company, as well as NGOs and certification bodies including Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade Foundation, WWF, International Cocoa Initiative, Sustainable Trade Initiative and VOICE Network.

The coalition said the delay to implementing the regulations promised under the Environment Act 2021 has created uncertainty for businesses across multiple sectors, discouraging investment in traceability, sustainability and broader supply chain improvements.

It is now urging the Government to publish the necessary statutory instrument as soon as possible, ensure the UK’s approach is aligned with the EU Deforestation Regulation, and work closely with stakeholders across the cocoa and chocolate supply chain.

Supporters of the initiative say regulation would not simply add another layer of red tape, but instead create a clearer framework for companies already investing in more responsible sourcing practices.

Alex Sobel MP, co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Deforestation, said: “I welcome the fact that businesses are stepping up and calling for regulation to fight illegal deforestation.

“This new partnership between business and NGOs will add weight to the argument that this regulation, far from being a new burden on business, will actually bring clarity and support to businesses who have been waiting too long already.”

The coalition’s launch was supported by the APPG on Deforestation and the NGO Forest Coalition, and comes as members step up calls for effective legislation that supports farmer livelihoods, tackles human rights abuses and addresses illegal deforestation.

Duncan Brack, facilitator of the UK Cocoa Coalition, said the new group was one of the broadest alliances active in the debate and should act as a “wake-up call” for Government.

He said: “The UK Cocoa Coalition brings together companies, certification initiatives and NGOs to argue for ambitious action by the government to support the development of a fully sustainable cocoa and chocolate supply chain.

“Our launch, taking place just after the International Day of Forests and in the run-up to Easter, should serve as a wake-up call to government to use the influence of the huge UK market for cocoa and chocolate to improve conditions for cocoa farmers and combat deforestation.”

Ferrero UK head of public affairs Richard Laming said no single business could solve the sector’s challenges alone, adding that collaboration would be essential to create meaningful change for both farmers and forests.

Meanwhile, John Lewis Partnership ethics and sustainability director Marija Rompani said a responsible cocoa supply chain was vital for both the business and its customers, adding that industry-wide progress would depend on a “clear and collective pathway”.

Tony’s Chocolonely public affairs lead Belinda Borck also said strong, aligned legislation would be needed to help turn individual commitments into wider system change across the cocoa sector.

The Fairtrade Foundation and Rainforest Alliance both stressed that any future regulation must work for farmers as well as forests, warning that smallholder producers should not be left carrying the cost of compliance alone.

The coalition said the UK, as the world’s third largest market for chocolate confectionery, has significant potential to influence global cocoa supply chains through clear and effective regulation.

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