Our sustainable policies, labels & certifications

Here are the proofs of our commitment to a fairer and more sustainable cocoa supply chain.

ISO 14001
Since 2005

ISO 14001

ISO 14001 is the most widely used of the ISO 14000 series of environmental management standards. It is based on the principle ofcontinuously improving environmental performance by controlling the impact of the company’s activities.

ISO 50001
Since 2015

ISO 50001

The NF EN ISO 50001 standard is intended for all organizations and aims to help them develop a methodical approach to energy management and continuously improve their energy performance.

ISO 45001
Since 2021

ISO 45001

Before being certified ISO 45001, Valrhona had been certified OHSAS 18001 since 2004. ISO 45001 is an international standard that specifies requirements for an occupational health and safety (OH&S) management system. It provides a framework for organizations to manage risks and improve OH&S performance.

FSSC 22000
Since 2016

FSSC 22000

FSSC 22000 is a food safety certification system based on the existing, internationally recognized ISO 22000 standard, supplemented by technical standards such as ISO TS 22002-1 for food manufacturing and ISO TS 22002-4 for packaging manufacturing.

organic certification

Organic

To be certified organic, chocolates must comply with strict cultivation standards. This certification guarantees that chocolates are produced using natural agricultural methods, without the use of herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, or synthetic pesticides. This certification also guarantees the absence of colorants, synthetic chemical flavorings, and flavor enhancers

B Corp logo
Since 2020

B Corp

Having been a certified B Corporation® since January 2020, Valrhona is proud to have secured this demanding certification for the second time in 2023. B Corporation rewards the world’s most committed companies that put equal emphasis on economic, societal and environmental performance and that are committed to progress. 

Gold Ecovadis
Since 2017

Gold Ecovadis

EcoVadis is a platform for assessing how a company has integrated CSR principles into its activities and their impact. Only 5% of companies assessed achieve the Gold rating.

Fret 21
Since 2019

Fret 21

FRET 21 is an initiative aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the freight transport sector. It encourages the use of more environmentally-friendly modes of transport and raises awareness of the importance of sustainability among the freight industry.

Authorised Economic Operator
Since 2015

Authorised Economic Operator

The AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) allows any company engaged in international trade to acquire a quality label for customs processes and security-safety measures it implements. It serves to distinguish the most reliable companies. Issued by French customs, it is awarded to any company established within the EU that meets certain criteria defined by European regulations.

Fairtrade/Max Havelaar

Fairtrade/Max Havelaar

Obtaining the Fairtrade/Max Havelaar label depends on compliance with specifications designed to improve cocoa producers’ remuneration and working conditions, while at the same time preserving the environment.

V-Label

V-Label

The V-Label is an international label created by the European Vegetarian Union in 1996.
This label certifies that the ingredients in a product are 100% plant-based.

Our Responsible Purchasing Charter

We’ve made a mutual commitment with our suppliers by signing the Responsible Purchasing Charter. In 2023, 84.53% of our suppliers have signed this charter.

This charter describes the commitments that we expect from all of our suppliers in terms of labor rights, ethics, environmental protection, risk management and food safety.

Valrhona cocoa pods Brazil