Waitrose has expanded its partnership with Tony’s Open Chain, which is part of its commitment to ethically source cocoa across its seasonal and boxed chocolate lines.

As part of the new agreement, over half of Waitrose seasonal chocolate will be sourced through Tony’s Open Chain Mass Balance.

Additionally, the retailer will also improve the sourcing credentials of its private-label boxed chocolates using the Tony’s Open Chain mass balance “Bean to Machine” sourcing model for the first time.

This builds on the company’s commitment to sustainability, previously becoming the first UK retailer to join Tony’s Open Chain as a ‘Mission Ally’ in 2024.

The first rollout covered six Waitrose’s own-label chocolate bars and three Cook’s ingredients bars using separated cocoa.

The business has increased the total amount of cocoa beans purchased through Tony’s Open Chain by 53 per cent.

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Marija Rompani, director of ethics & sustainability at John Lewis Partnership said: “Enhancing our responsible sourcing standards is an essential part of building resilient supply chains that deliver the high-quality ethically sourced products our customers expect, both now and in the future.

“By broadening our sourcing of cocoa through Tony’s Open Chain, we hope to show what’s possible and to encourage other retailers and brands to join in its shared mission to help end exploitation in the cocoa supply chain once and for all.”

According to the business, the products will remain the same despite the change in sourcing models.

All of Tony’s Open Chain cocoa is Fairtrade certified as well, and Waitrose pays an extra premium on top of the Fairtrade-certified bean price.

According to the business, it pushes towards Tony’s Open Chain sourcing principles through 100 per cent traceable beans, a higher price, strong co-operatives and offering suppliers multi-year agreements.