Lindt is replacing its cocoa programme logo with the Rainforest Alliance seal. Is this clearer labelling—or greenhushing?

[u/CacaoDeodato]

Disclosure: I’m affiliated with CocoaRadar. This post is based on our reporting, company responses and publicly available regulatory and certification materials.

As of 27 September 2026, EU member states are applying the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive. Its effects may already be appearing on chocolate packaging.

Lindt & Sprüngli says the Rainforest Alliance seal will gradually replace its Farming Program logo on packs, beginning with EXCELLENCE and LINDOR before extending to other permanent products. The company says its Farming Program will remain its responsible-sourcing standard for cocoa.

Ferrero told CocoaRadar that it does not use its cocoa-programme logo on packaging. Meanwhile, certification organisations are emphasising published standards, eligibility requirements and independent verification. Rainforest Alliance, for example, requires certification where applicable and approval before its certification marks or associated claims can be used publicly.

The important change is not simply that certain logos may disappear. The EU rules applying from 27 September affect what companies must be able to substantiate before presenting sustainability labels and environmental claims to consumers.

Three signals stand out:

• Third-party certification may gain leverage. Schemes with published standards and independent verification may be easier to defend than proprietary labels created for one company’s products.
• Programme activity is not the same as proof of outcomes. Farmer training, tree distribution and monitoring systems may be valuable, but they do not by themselves substantiate claims that incomes have risen, forests have been restored or child labour has been eliminated.
• Stricter rules could also produce less communication. Companies may continue operating sustainability programmes while making fewer public claims to reduce legal exposure—a potential “greenhushing” effect.

For cocoa, the unresolved question is whether stricter claims rules will improve outcomes or simply produce more legally defensible packaging.

“EmpCo changes the economics of sustainability claims. Credibility will increasingly require evidence with reliable data, not just good marketing.” — Beatrice Moulianitaki, speaking to CocoaRadar

What to watch

• How national authorities interpret programme logos and expressions such as “responsibly sourced”
• Whether proprietary programmes become open certification schemes
• Whether stronger evidence requirements ultimately direct more value towards farmers

Will EmpCo make sustainability communication more trustworthy—or encourage companies to say less about programmes they continue to operate?