July 4 (Reuters) - Cadbury chocolate maker Mondelez ( MDLZ )

is urging a one-year delay in the implementation of the

European Union's deforestation law, a senior company executive

said.

The company supports the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

in principle, Massimiliano Di Domenico, vice president of

corporate and government affairs for Europe said, but urged

policymakers to account for "on-the-ground realities."

Di Domenico was speaking at the European Parliament last

week and later posted his comments on LinkedIn.

In July last year, Reuters reported that Nestle,

Mars Wrigley, and Ferrero backed the law in a joint paper, while

urging Brussels to provide clearer guidance and support to help

companies meet the compliance deadline.

The proposed law, which aims to end 10% of global

deforestation fuelled by EU consumption, requires companies and

traders importing soy, beef, cocoa, coffee and related products

to prove their supply chains do not contribute to the

destruction of the world's forests, or face hefty fines.

Di Domenico said the cocoa sector is "under huge pressure"

due to soaring prices, declining production, and digital

infrastructure gaps in origin countries which could affect

compliance and disrupt supply chains.

"That's why we are respectfully, transparently and

responsibly calling for a 12-month delay - not to dilute

ambition, but to enable practical, inclusive, and effective

implementation," Di Domenico said in his post.

The EU has already delayed its launch by a year to December

2025, following complaints from trading partners including

Brazil and the U.S., and cut back reporting rules after industry

criticism.