Hershey issues its first CSR Report

The iconic Hershey Company has issued its first ever CSR report. The report was launched on the anniversary of Milton S. Hershey's birthday. The founder of the Hershey Company intrinsically knew what CSR was about and built the company along the principles of modern CSR.

David West, President and CEO acknowledged the fact that CSR is one of the founding principles of the business during the launch of the report. He said that, "Our CSR efforts stretch from our headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Hershey, Pennsylvania, to our operations in countries such as Mexico and India, to the cocoa farming villages of West Africa. While we are proud of our accomplishments, including the contributions we make to children in need, we understand that much remains to be done."

In 2002 the company helped fund an independent survey of cocoa farms, which uncovered no cases of forced child or slave labor. Since then Hershey promised to adhere to the Harkin-Engel Protocol that aims to ensure fair labor standards in cocoa production by 2005. The company also established its own supplier code in 2007 which  demonstrates its commitment to ethical growing of cocoa. It has kept 80% of its production volume in the US and Canada.

It owns organic chocolate brand Dagoba and also Scharffenberger chocolate company. Even before the company published an official report, it was committed to creating a rigorous supplier code of conduct for labor practices, health and safety, environment, food safety and quality. Hershey works with Verite and Business for Social Responsibility to ensure that the code applies to cocoa imports, sugar, nuts, dairy and packaging supply chains.

Hershey's CSR report follows the 'four prongs of CSR' approach and uses GRI guidelines to talk about its commitment to marketplace, workplace, environment and community. The CSR report outlines achievements and sets goals for the future. The report also talks about its waste reduction and recycling initiatives along with energy and water management programs. The company supports the Sustainable Tree Crops Program (STCP), implemented by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture. Over 76,000 farmers have participated to date. SCTP helps West African cocoa farmers make cocoa farming a more sustainable and successful way of life. They also work with the International Cocoa Initiative to improve the lives of cocoa farmers and to ensure fair trade. The company is also heavily invested in community building which starts with the Milton Hershey school for orphans. It is also strives to improve work atmosphere for its many employees and is involved in various other marketplace activities.

With so many things going for them, the first CSR report sure is a sweet beginning for the Hershey company.

Photo Credit: Akhila Vijayaraghavan ©