Chocolate is one of life’s greatest and simplest pleasures. Whether sweet and milky or dark and bitter, the taste is hard to resist. But beneath the surface of this delectable treat lies a dark truth: the unethical trade of chocolate and the exploitation of labourers. Many commercialised chocolate brands are guilty of this – despite the ethically-washed claims and greenwashing jargon promoted on their websites. Here’s all you need to know about the unfair trade of chocolate, and whether you’re eating ethically sourced chocolate.
The Bitter Truth About Chocolate
The global chocolate industry heavily relies on countries such as Ivory Coast, Ghana and Indonesia for cocoa production. Unfortunately, these regions have been associated with significant labour rights violations and child labour practices.
European chocolate companies initially brought cacao beans over to Western Africa, in order to benefit from cheap local labour. While these companies yield better profits, their cacao farmers earn approximately less than＄1 per day. These companies have turned to child labour to meet competitive prices and consumer demands. According to a report from 2020, it’s estimated that 1.56 million children are engaged in child labour in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. With increased production in recent years, due to certain health trends like the popularity of consuming dark chocolate – the problem has only proliferated.
As a result of these greedy corporations, child labour and even slave plantations have been reported in Cameroon, Guinea, Nigeria and Sierra Leone, as well as Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Cases of child labour have also reportedly come from Brazil.
So, how do conscious consumers spot deception when reaching for a bar of chocolate at grocery stores or independent chocolatiers? The simple answer here is to look for the Fairtrade sticker, but even that isn’t always a clear indication of ethical practices…
What Does the Fairtrade Sticker Mean?
When you see a Fairtrade sticker on a chocolate bar, it means that the cocoa beans used to make that chocolate were sourced from farmers who are part of a Fairtrade-certified cooperative or organisation. Fairtrade is a movement that aims to promote fairer and more sustainable trade practices, particularly in developing countries.
To obtain the Fairtrade certification, chocolate companies need to follow certain procedures. Firstly, they must ensure that they pay a fair price to the cocoa farmers, which covers the cost of sustainable production and provides a decent living income. This helps to improve the economic conditions of the farmers and their communities.
Secondly, Fairtrade certification requires companies to adhere to certain environmental standards. This includes promoting sustainable farming methods and discouraging the use of harmful chemicals or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). By supporting environmentally friendly practices, Fairtrade helps protect both the planet and the farmers who depend on it.
Fairtrade certification requires payment of fees, audits and ongoing compliance, which can be challenging for smaller bean-to-bar chocolate companies with limited resources.
Furthermore, Fairtrade also encourages social responsibility; it ensures that the cocoa farmers have safe working conditions, access to education, healthcare and the right to organise themselves into cooperatives. This empowerment helps create a more equitable and sustainable supply chain.
But is Fairtrade Actually Fair?
Seems like a sound pay-off right? Here’s the catch: while Fairtrade certification is a reliable indicator of ethical sourcing, some companies may try to find loopholes or exploit the system to promote the Fairtrade sticker without fully adhering to its standards. This is not true for all companies, but it’s a practice that can occur in any industry, including the chocolate industry.
One example is when larger chocolate manufacturers create their own certification programs or labels that may resemble Fairtrade, but upon closer inspection, the criteria and standards may not be as stringent or independently verified. This can be misleading for consumers who are genuinely seeking ethically sourced chocolate.
On the other hand, there are bean-to-bar chocolate brands that follow sustainable practices, such as sourcing directly from farmers and supporting local communities. These brands often prioritise quality and transparency, and some may even exceed Fairtrade standards. However, they may not always pursue Fairtrade certification due to various reasons. Costs associated with obtaining and maintaining the certification could get in the way of getting this kind of authentication.
Fairtrade certification requires payment of fees, audits and ongoing compliance, which can be challenging for smaller bean-to-bar chocolate companies with limited resources. Instead, these companies may choose to invest directly in building relationships with farmers and communities, ensuring fair wages, environmentally friendly practices and social impact.
Is Your Chocolate Ethically Sourced?
Fairtrade certification is a valuable tool for consumers, but it’s not the only measure of ethical sourcing in the chocolate industry. Here are some helpful tips to determine whether your chocolate was ethically sourced:
1. Look for certifications
One of the most reliable ways to ensure that your chocolate is ethically sourced is by looking for certifications on the packaging. Two widely recognised certifications are Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance. These labels indicate that the cocoa used in the chocolate has been produced under fair labour conditions, ensuring farmers receive fair wages and labour rights are respected.
2. Research the brand
Before purchasing a chocolate bar, take a few moments to research the brand’s commitment to ethical sourcing. Many companies now have dedicated pages on their websites that outline their efforts to ensure responsible and sustainable cocoa production. Look for brands that prioritise transparency, support local communities and actively work to eradicate child labour.
3. Check for traceability
Some chocolate companies provide information about the origin of their cacao beans. Transparent supply chains and traceability initiatives allow consumers to trace the journey of their chocolate from the cacao farm to the finished product. This transparency ensures accountability and reduces the chances of exploitative practices.
4. Support bean-to-bar producers
Consider purchasing chocolate from smaller bean-to-bar producers. These companies often have direct relationships with cacao farmers, ensuring fair wages and ethical practices throughout the supply chain. By supporting these producers, you contribute to a more sustainable and just chocolate industry.
Many commercial chocolate brands that don’t follow ethical practices have some of the most popular products on shelves, so supporting bean-to-bar and small-batch producers is the safer route. Here are some local chocolate brands that promote ethically sourced products: fairafric, AFRIKOA Chocolate, Beyers Chocolates and Honest Chocolate.
5. Educate yourself and others
Spread awareness about the dark truth behind chocolate. Discuss the issue with friends and family and encourage them to make ethical choices when purchasing chocolate. The power of consumer demand can push companies to prioritise ethical sourcing and positively impact the lives of cocoa farmers.
Again, exploring bean-to-bar brands and doing some research on their sourcing practices and values can provide insights into their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Ultimately, it’s about being an informed consumer and supporting brands that align with your values and contribute positively to the chocolate supply chain.
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