Three major international coffee and cacao companies, Nestlé, Mondelez, and JDE Peet’s, have agreed to adjust unclear sustainability claims on their packaging following discussions with the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM). These companies will cease using vague terms like 'responsible' and 'sustainable' and will review their sustainability logos to ensure clarity for consumers.

Martijn Ridderbos, a member of ACM's board, emphasized the importance of clear sustainability information for consumers, allowing them to make informed choices and compare products effectively. The changes are expected to take effect with new product batches hitting stores in early 2026.

ACM's initiative stems from a sector study launched last year, which identified the coffee and cacao sector as having the most unclear sustainability claims. The authority aims to protect consumers from misleading information and promote fair competition among companies.

In line with the upcoming EU directive, ECGT, which will be implemented in 2026, companies will only be allowed to use independent sustainability logos under strict conditions. ACM has been advocating for fewer, clearer labels to enhance consumer understanding and trust in sustainability claims.