Cornetto

Introduction

Cornetto is a beloved ice cream brand that traces its origins back to the 1950s, when it was created by the Italian ice cream maker, Giovanni Battista Pilla. Initially launched in Italy, the Cornetto quickly gained popularity for its unique combination of soft ice cream and a crispy cone. The brand has been owned by various companies over the years, with Unilever securing it as part of its extensive portfolio. The founders' commitment to quality and indulgence is reflected in the rich flavors and delightful textures that Cornetto offers, making it a favorite among ice cream lovers worldwide.

The philosophy behind Cornetto revolves around the idea of sharing joy and creating memorable experiences through simple, delicious treats. With a focus on enjoyment, the brand seeks to connect people through moments of happiness that an ice cream cone can evoke. This philosophy is manifested in their marketing campaigns that often emphasize the importance of sharing an ice cream, whether at a beach, a park, or during summer outings with friends and family. Cornetto also aims to innovate continually, introducing new flavors and ideas to meet evolving consumer tastes while remaining true to its roots.

What makes Cornetto special is not only its unique texture that combines a crunchy cone and creamy ice cream but also the whimsical experience it brings to each customer. Its signature heart-shaped chocolate tip is a delightful surprise that adds to the enjoyment, making each bite as enjoyable as the last. Furthermore, the brand has built a strong emotional connection with its audience, often recognized as a symbol of fun and carefree moments. This blend of quality, creativity, and a focus on enjoyment clearly positions Cornetto as a cherished ice cream experience.

Signature Products

Cornetto's product lineup showcases its commitment to delivering indulgent and enjoyable ice cream experiences. These offerings help to define the brand's identity and attract a diverse fan base.

• Classic Cornetto : A delightful combination of soft vanilla ice cream, a crispy cone, and a chocolate tip, embodying the traditional essence of Cornetto.
• Cornetto Strawberry : Features luscious strawberry ice cream paired with a crispy cone and finished with a smooth chocolate tip for a fruity twist.
• Cornetto Chocolate : Combines rich chocolate ice cream in a crunchy cone, topped with a delectable chocolate tip, perfect for chocolate lovers.
• Cornetto Mint : Offers a refreshing mint-flavored ice cream experience, nestled in a crunchy cone and topped with a mint chocolate tip.

Materials and Ingredients Used by Cornetto

• Milk : Milk is a dairy ingredient rich in calcium and protein, commonly used in various food products to enhance flavor and texture. In Cornetto, milk is used to create a creamy base for its ice cream, contributing to a rich and smooth mouthfeel that appeals to consumers.
• Sugar : Sugar is a sweetening ingredient that elevates the flavor profile of food products. In Cornetto, it is used to balance the bitterness of cocoa and enhance the overall sweetness of the ice cream, making it more enjoyable for the consumer.
• Sunflower : Sunflower is often used as an oil or seed ingredient, known for its light flavor and high smoke point. In Cornetto, sunflower ingredients may be used in the formulation to improve texture and promote a satisfying crunch in the cone while being a neutral-tasting option.
• Wheat : Wheat is a cereal grain used to produce flour, providing structure and texture in baked goods. Cornetto incorporates wheat in its cone, ensuring that it has the desired crispy texture and durability to hold the ice cream effectively.
• Cocoa : Cocoa is derived from cocoa beans and is known for its rich flavor profile, often used in desserts and confections. Cornetto utilizes cocoa to add a distinctive chocolate flavor that complements the ice cream, appealing to chocolate lovers.
• Coconut : Coconut is a versatile tropical ingredient, recognized for its distinct flavor and creamy texture. In Cornetto, coconut may be included to enhance the richness of the ice cream and provide a unique taste experience, particularly in certain flavor variations.
• Wheat Flour : Wheat flour is a refined ingredient made from grinding wheat grains, commonly used in baking. Cornetto uses wheat flour in its cones to provide a sturdy base that is essential for holding the ice cream while contributing to the overall taste and texture of the product.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From Cornetto

These issues are related to the supply chain of the brand and need to be taken into consideration:

Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

Milk production is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane from cows and nitrous oxide from manure and fertilizers. The dairy industry accounts for approximately 4% of the global greenhouse gas emissions footprint. Methane is particularly potent as it has over 80 times the warming power of CO2 over 20 years. Transportation of milk and dairy products also adds to the carbon footprint of the supply chain.

Deforestation:

The cultivation of sugar and cocoa are major drivers of deforestation, especially in tropical regions. In the case of sugar, large tracts of land in Brazil and Southeast Asia are cleared to make way for sugarcane fields. This contributes to habitat loss and emissions from the eradication of carbon-sequestering forests. Similarly, cocoa farming in West Africa has led to the destruction of rainforests, critically threatening biodiversity and exacerbating climate change.

Soil Degradation:

Cocoa and wheat farming can lead to significant soil degradation. Unsustainable agricultural practices remove essential nutrients from the soil and lead to erosion. For instance, cocoa cultivation, particularly when done on cleared forest land, strips the soil of nutrients, requiring farmers to apply chemical fertilizers which can lead to further degradation over time.

Water Usage:

Milk and wheat production are both highly water-intensive. It takes approximately 1,000 liters of water to produce 1 liter of milk, considering the water required for feed crops and cow maintenance. Wheat production also requires substantial water inputs, particularly in areas dependent on irrigation, which can stress local water supplies and lead to conflicts over water rights.

Monoculture Practices:

Sunflower and wheat are often grown in monoculture systems, which can deplete soil nutrients and increase vulnerability to pests and diseases. This agricultural approach requires higher inputs of chemical pesticides and fertilizers to maintain yield levels, impacting environmental health and reducing local biodiversity.

Labor Concerns:

Cocoa and coconut industries have faced scrutiny for labor exploitation, including reports of child labor and unfair wages. In cocoa-producing regions like Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, children are often found working under hazardous conditions. Furthermore, coconut harvesting in regions such as the Philippines and Indonesia has faced criticisms regarding the use of poorly paid laborers or even animals for climbing coconut trees, which raises both ethical and social concerns.

Biodiversity Loss:

Growing sunflowers, cocoa, and coconuts, often in large monocultures, has led to significant biodiversity loss. For cocoa, the use of large swathes of land formerly covered by diverse ecosystems has resulted in the decline of wildlife species dependent on these habitats. Similarly, conversion of land for intensive sunflower and coconut cultivation reduces habitat variety, adversely affecting flora and fauna that previously thrived in more varied ecosystems.

By evaluating and addressing these issues, brands like Cornetto can work towards more sustainable supply chain practices, ensuring environmental, social, and economic viability.