LACTA

Introduction

Lacta, a brand that has become synonymous with chocolate in Brazil, was founded over a century ago and has grown to lead the market in various chocolate categories. Originally established by a pioneering entrepreneur whose love for quality chocolate inspired the brand's inception, Lacta has remained committed to crafting delightful chocolate treats that resonate with consumers. As part of Mondelez International, Inc., its legacy is rich, steeped in tradition while continuously adapting to modern tastes and preferences.

The philosophy of Lacta revolves around the joy of sharing and creating moments of happiness through chocolate. This ethos is deeply embedded in the brand's identity, promoting not only the enjoyment of their products but also the connections formed around them. With a focus on quality and innovation, Lacta endeavors to provide a wide array of chocolate options that appeal to diverse palates, ensuring that everyone can find their favorite treat. The brand's commitment to excellence is reflected in its ingredients, which are carefully selected to deliver a premium taste experience.

What makes Lacta special is its ability to blend rich history with contemporary marketing strategies. The brand's iconic visual identity and memorable marketing campaigns have solidified its position in the hearts of Brazilian consumers. With products that evoke nostalgia and excitement, Lacta has become more than just a chocolate brand; it represents cherished memories and shared experiences. Its continuous evolution, loyalty to quality, and cultural relevance underscore its status as Brazil's leading chocolate brand.

Signature Products

Lacta's product range is a testament to its dedication to quality and consumer satisfaction, offering something for everyone. Each product is crafted to evoke happiness and create memorable moments.

• Lacta Chocolate Bars : Classic chocolate bars that come in various flavors, made with premium ingredients for a smooth, rich taste.
• Bis Chocolate Wafers : A delightful combination of crispy wafer layers coated in chocolate, perfect for snacks or sharing.
• Sonho de Valsa Pralines : Exquisite pralines filled with creamy chocolate, known for their unique taste and elegant packaging.
• Lacta White Chocolate : A sweet and creamy white chocolate option that adds a unique twist to the traditional chocolate experience.

Materials and Ingredients Used by LACTA

• Butter : Butter is a rich dairy ingredient made from churning cream. It is commonly used in chocolate and confectionery to enhance flavor and provide a creamy texture, making it ideal for various Lacta products.
• Citric Acid : Citric acid is a natural preservative found in citrus fruits. It is used to add a tart flavor and balance sweetness in some chocolates and confections, ensuring a pleasant taste experience for Lacta customers.
• Cocoa : Cocoa is derived from cacao beans and is the fundamental ingredient in chocolate production. Lacta utilizes cocoa to create the rich chocolate flavors that define its product range, appealing to chocolate lovers.
• Milk : Milk is a key dairy ingredient that adds creaminess and contributes to the smooth texture of chocolate products. Lacta incorporates milk in various forms to enhance flavor and richness in its offerings.
• Oil Palm : Palm oil is a vegetable fat derived from the fruit of palm trees. It is used in chocolate to improve texture and stability, allowing Lacta to create products that have a longer shelf life and maintain quality.
• Rice : Rice can be used as a crunchy ingredient or as a source of starch in some chocolate products. Lacta may use rice to add texture and variety to its confections, catering to diverse consumer preferences.
• Salt : Salt is a flavor enhancer that is often added to chocolate to balance sweetness and elevate overall flavor complexity. Lacta employs salt judiciously to improve the taste profile of its various chocolate products.
• Strawberry : Strawberry is a popular fruit flavoring that adds natural sweetness and brightness. Lacta may incorporate strawberry in certain products to offer fruit-infused options that appeal to those seeking a fruity twist in their chocolate.
• Sugar : Sugar is a primary sweetener that plays a vital role in food and confectionery. Lacta uses sugar not only to sweeten its chocolate products but also to contribute to their texture and structure.
• Sunflower : Sunflower oil or seeds may be utilized in chocolate or snacks for their healthy fat content and mild flavor. Lacta could incorporate sunflower ingredients to create products that align with consumer preferences for better-for-you options.
• Wheat : Wheat is often used as a base ingredient in various confections, such as biscuits or wafers. Lacta can include wheat to create crunchy textures and layers in its chocolate products, enhancing the overall eating experience.
• Whey : Whey is a byproduct of cheese production and is rich in protein. It is used in chocolates and snacks to improve nutritional content and add creaminess, making it a strategic ingredient in Lacta's product formulation.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From LACTA

Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

The production of butter and milk involves significant greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to methane released from cows. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, which is much more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. For instance, dairy farms contribute substantially to methane emissions, and efforts like better manure management and dietary changes are needed to mitigate this.

Land Use Change and Deforestation:

The cultivation of ingredients like cocoa and oil palm often leads to deforestation and land use change. For example, in West Africa, vast areas of rainforests have been cleared for cocoa plantations, drastically affecting biodiversity and carbon storage. Similarly, palm oil production in Southeast Asia is a leading cause of forest clearing, which destroys vital habitats for species like orangutans and tigers.

Water Consumption and Scarcity:

Water is a critical resource that's consumed in large quantities during the production of various ingredients, such as rice, strawberries, and butter. Rice paddies, especially, are notorious for their high water usage, sometimes depleting local water resources leading to scarcity issues. In areas where water is already limited, this can have severe consequences for both local communities and ecosystems.

Pesticide Use and Environmental Impact:

Pesticide application in crops like rice, strawberries, wheat, and sunflowers poses significant environmental risks. These chemicals can runoff into nearby water bodies, causing pollution and affecting aquatic life. They also impact soil health and biodiversity in surrounding areas, leading to long-term ecological disturbances. Effective integrated pest management strategies are essential to address these issues.

Methane Emissions:

Apart from butter and milk, rice cultivation is also a notable source of methane emissions. Submerged rice paddies create anaerobic conditions that lead to the production of methane during decomposition of organic matter. Methods such as alternate wetting and drying (AWD) are being recommended to reduce these emissions.

Soil Degradation and Erosion:

The continuous cultivation of crops like sugarcane and wheat can lead to soil degradation and erosion. Monoculture practices in sugar production, for instance, contribute to loss of soil nutrients and structure, diminishing its productivity over time. Practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and reduced tillage can aid in maintaining soil health.

Habitat Destruction:

Salt production and large-scale agriculture practices for ingredients like oil palm and cocoa can lead to habitat destruction. The extraction processes can disrupt local ecosystems and lead to loss of biodiversity. For instance, large salt pans alter coastal ecosystems that are vital for various bird species, affecting the entire ecological balance.

Human Rights Violations and Labor Issues:

In industries like cocoa and oil palm, human rights violations such as child labor and poor working conditions are prevalent. Reports from countries like Ivory Coast reveal that children often work long hours on cocoa farms under harsh conditions. These practices not only exploit vulnerable populations but also undermine ethical standards in global supply chains.

This exploration underlines the complexity of sustainability issues associated with LACTA's ingredients, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies that address environmental, social, and economic dimensions throughout their supply chain.