For conference catering, choose only chocolate flakes whose documentation supports the Fairtrade cocoa claim you want to make for the specific variant. A Rainforest Alliance mention is not enough. If you’re serving them at an open buffet, also decide how guests will access allergen information. Albert Heijn’s product page for Fairtrade Original makes a specific cocoa claim, but also says ‘Discontinued’, so check availability with the supplier.
If you want to make a Fairtrade claim in your quote or buffet information, you’ll need evidence for the exact variant you’ve ordered. Albert Heijn makes a product-specific cocoa claim for Fairtrade Original, but also describes the product as ‘Discontinued’. So be sure to ask the supplier to confirm availability.
When flakes are served in a bowl or dispenser, guests can’t check the original packaging. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for non-prepacked catering products must be available before guests buy or order them.
If you’re choosing between dark, milk and mixed flakes, check the ingredients for the exact variant too. For example, Albert Heijn’s product listings show differences in whether they contain wheat and soya, and in warnings about milk.
If Fairtrade is a requirement, first check the claim for the specific variant you’ve chosen. Then decide how you’ll communicate ingredients and allergens when serving it.
| What to consider | What to check before buying | Who should pay particular attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Fairtrade claim | Check the claim on the current packaging or product specification against the exact variant you’re ordering. | If Fairtrade is a requirement, I want to be able to link the claim to the flakes actually being served. For around 36% of consumers, being able to verify this is the top priority. |
| Allergens when serving from an open buffet | Record the declaration for each variant and decide how guests will get the information before buying or ordering. | At an open toppings bar, I want to be able to inform guests without them having to see the original packaging. Allergen information is the main concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and flavour | Read the ingredients and any ‘may contain’ statements for the dark, milk or mixed variant you’ve chosen. | When choosing flakes for different guests, I want to know which variant suits their preferences and which allergens I need to mention. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this consideration. |
| Packaging and delivery | Agree the pack size and quantity you need, and ask the supplier to confirm the delivery date for the exact variant. | For a conference, I want to be sure I can order enough of the same variant before the menu is finalised. Timely delivery is the main concern for around 14% of consumers. |
Albert Heijn’s listing for De Ruijter dark chocolate flakes says the cocoa is Rainforest Alliance certified. This alone does not support a Fairtrade claim for this variant.
Make sure the wording on your quote and buffet sign matches the current packaging or product specification for the flakes you’ve bought.
According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information for non-prepacked catering products must be available before guests buy or order them. Packaging that guests can’t consult doesn’t meet this information requirement.
For example, you could use a sign or menu. If you’re providing information verbally, make it clear that guests can ask for it. Keep the information available in writing or electronically for staff and inspectors.
Albert Heijn’s listing for Fairtrade Original dark chocolate flakes includes both a specific cocoa claim and the label ‘Discontinued’.
Before finalising your menu information, ask the supplier to confirm the exact variant, pack size, quantity and delivery date.
According to Albert Heijn’s product listings, De Ruijter dark chocolate flakes contain soya and may contain milk. The listed Choca flakes contain wheat and soya and may contain traces of milk.
Base your allergen information on the variant actually delivered, and update the buffet sign if the product changes.
Worth considering when you need an evidenced Fairtrade cocoa claim for your chosen chocolate flakes.
A brand with several chocolate flake varieties; check the details of each one individually.
A standard chocolate flake option to compare if Fairtrade isn’t a requirement.
A supermarket own-brand option for comparing dark, milk and duo flakes.
Make sure guests can get the information before buying or ordering. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, for non-prepacked catering products you can provide it on a sign or menu, for example. You can give the information verbally if it’s clear that guests can ask for it; staff and inspectors must be able to access it in writing or electronically.
Not on the basis of that statement alone. Albert Heijn says De Ruijter dark chocolate flakes contain Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa. Only make a Fairtrade claim if the current documentation for the specific variant you’ve chosen supports it.
Record the exact product name and variant, pack size, ingredients, allergens and any warnings about traces. If Fairtrade is a requirement, ask for product-specific evidence too, and confirm the quantity you need and delivery date with the supplier.
No. Ask the supplier to confirm delivery of the exact variant and quantity. Albert Heijn’s product page describes Fairtrade Original dark chocolate flakes as ‘Discontinued’, so the cocoa claim on that page doesn’t confirm delivery for your conference.
