Who is this choice relevant to?

Catering buyers with a Fairtrade requirement

You want to be able to document the claim for the biscuit you have chosen or the cocoa used in it. A general statement about certified cocoa across a retailer’s range is not enough.

Organisers of self-service breaks

You’re looking for portions that guests can easily pick up and whose packaging is available to check. Albert Heijn describes Verkade Lange Nekken as individually wrapped in pairs; check that this format suits your planned service.

Caterers serving biscuits loose

You also need to organise allergen information when biscuits are served on a platter without their packaging. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights the requirement to provide information for non-prepacked foods.

What should you consider when choosing?

Start by checking the Fairtrade claim for the specific product. Then choose a serving format that suits the coffee break and arrange allergen information before putting the biscuits out.

What to consider What to check when buying Who it is most relevant to
Fairtrade status of each product Check whether the label or product information explicitly states that the biscuit you have chosen or the cocoa used in it is Fairtrade. If I promise the client or guests that a product is Fairtrade, I want to be able to show that claim for this specific item. For around 31% of consumers, being able to verify this is the top priority.
Portions and serving Check how many biscuits are in each wrapped portion and how many portions you can order for the break. For self-service, I want to put biscuits out without having to divide them up on the spot. Around 25% of consumers give serving logistics top priority.
Allergens at the buffet Check the label on the packaging delivered and, if serving the biscuits loose, provide a visible sign showing where to find allergen information. When I serve biscuits without their packaging, I want guests to know where to find allergen information at the serving point. This is the main concern for around 25% of consumers.
Choice within the range Compare suitable products individually for their Fairtrade claim, portion size and availability. I want to be able to consider different biscuits or pack sizes without assuming that the whole shelf is Fairtrade. Around 19% of consumers put this choice of products first.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming certified cocoa means Fairtrade

    Albert Heijn, Lidl and ALDI also refer to other certification schemes in their cocoa policies. Their general policies therefore do not confirm that every chocolate biscuit in their ranges is Fairtrade.

    Record the Fairtrade claim for the product you have chosen before describing it as Fairtrade.

  • Removing the packaging without a plan for information

    When biscuits are served loose, guests can no longer read the information on the original packaging for themselves. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that providers must also supply allergen information for non-prepacked foods. Dutch food regulations require a visible sign indicating where that information is available.

    Keep the up-to-date product information at the serving point, and clearly show guests where they can find allergen information at every relevant buffet station.

  • Relying on a product page you viewed earlier

    What matters to guests is the composition of the product actually being served. Changes to the packaging or recipe may mean the information you based your choice on is out of date.

    When the delivery arrives, compare the label on the packaging with the information you plan to use for the catering.

  • Planning around a temporary product as a regular option

    Lidl features biscuits during limited-time shopping periods, while ALDI describes, among other things, a winter product made with Fairtrade cocoa. Such products are not an obvious choice for every conference date.

    Confirm availability and assess an alternative in advance, checking that it has its own Fairtrade claim at product level.

Relevant brands and retailers to consider

Verkade

A brand to consider when you need a specific biscuit product to state that it contains Fairtrade cocoa.

  • According to Verkade’s own product information, Choco Wolken contains Fairtrade cocoa.
  • Check each variant separately: a claim for Choco Wolken does not automatically confirm the status of another Verkade biscuit.

Albert Heijn

A retailer where you can compare chocolate biscuits and their pack sizes.

  • Albert Heijn describes Verkade Lange Nekken as individually wrapped in pairs, which may be useful for self-service.
  • Albert Heijn says that cocoa in its own-brand products is Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade certified. Check which, if either, applies to the specific biscuit you have chosen.

Jumbo

A retailer to explore when comparing different chocolate biscuits and pack sizes.

  • Jumbo’s biscuit range includes products you can compare for a catering order.
  • Being listed in that category does not confirm Fairtrade status. Check the claim for every product you select.

Lidl

A retailer to consider for own-brand products, provided the certification of the biscuit you choose is clear.

  • Lidl lists Fairtrade as one of the certification schemes used for its own-brand cocoa.
  • That policy does not in itself prove that an individual chocolate biscuit is Fairtrade. Also bear in mind that some products are only available for a limited time.

ALDI

A retailer to consider for products with an explicit Fairtrade cocoa claim on the individual product.

  • ALDI describes a winter product with a chocolate flavour and Fairtrade cocoa.
  • That seasonal product does not confirm the status or availability of other chocolate biscuits. Check the packaging of the product you plan to serve.

Related products at Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I check whether a chocolate biscuit is Fairtrade?

Look for an explicit Fairtrade claim that applies to the product you have chosen or the cocoa used in it, and check it against the current packaging or product information. A retailer policy that mentions Fairtrade alongside other certifications does not confirm the status of that individual biscuit.

Is the label on individually wrapped biscuit portions enough to provide allergen information?

For prepacked foods, ingredients and allergens should be listed on the packaging, as Your Europe explains in its guidance on EU food labelling rules. Make sure guests can check the label, and verify the information on the packaging actually delivered.

What do I need to arrange if biscuits are served loose on a conference table?

Make sure guests can clearly see where allergen information is available at the serving point. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains the requirement to provide information for non-prepacked foods; Dutch food regulations require a visible sign directing guests to that information.

Can I plan to use a limited-time product for a conference?

Only once you have checked that the specific product will be available for your conference date. Also assess an alternative in advance, checking its own Fairtrade claim and product information so that changes to the retailer’s range do not inadvertently affect your choice.