Chocolate on a Mission
Chocolate is a tasty treat loved by many and consumed in myriad ways world-wide. In fact, it’s so popular, the global chocolate industry was worth more than $130 billion dollars in 2019 - with considerable growth expected in the next decade. However, despite its popularity and sweetness, chocolate is not without its dark side. There are human rights violations throughout the industry including child labor, poverty wages, and slavery. And the global demand for chocolate has also led to deforestation in West Africa and other regions to make room for more cacao trees. In short, the chocolate industry is huge, and it’s ripe for change. The good news is there are purpose-driven chocolate brands that are not only demonstrating responsible chocolatiering, but also actively fighting for the rights of cacao farmers. So if you love chocolate, perhaps this is an area where you could make an impact — either by voting with your dollar or landing a job with a conscious chocolate company.
We associate chocolate with celebration, romance, indulgence and decadence - and our love for this food has deep roots throughout human history. In fact, the scientific name for the cacao tree is “Theobroma” which is Greek for “food of the gods”. This food is also sacred among indigenous communities throughout Latin America. Here are some revealing facts about chocolate:
The cacao beans used to make chocolate are the fruit of the cacao tree.
It takes 400 cacao beans to make 1 pounds of chocolate.
The average cacao tree produced enough fruit to make 1-3 pounds of chocolate each year - roughly 20 to 30 pods per year, with each pod containing 20 to 40 beans.
The pods must be harvested by hand.
Cacao beans are roasted and fermented, and this is what is known as cocoa and is used to make chocolate.
In 2019, cacao production hit a record high of 4.85 million metric tons.
And here are some of the problems associated with the production of chocolate products:
One of the worst global child labor crises is happening within the chocolate industry with more than 2 million children working in dangerous conditions on cacao farms in West Africa alone.
Cocoa farmers and their dependents live on earnings between $0.50-$0.84 a day.
23% of surveyed cacao laborers in Ghana reported having performed work without compensation
The production of cocoa has been the leading cause of deforestation in Ivory Coast, which has lost more than 80 percent of its forests in the last 50 years.
But if you love chocolate (like we do!) don’t give up hope. Despite the abuses perpetrated by many of the major chocolate producers, there are a growing number of responsible chocolatiers out there that you can support. These companies are establishing better practices, providing living wages, and improving working conditions for cacao farmers. And while their products tend to be a bit more expensive, the price is indicative of the fact that they’re paying more for their cocoa. In addition to being organic, here are a few more certifications to look out for when searching for conscious chocolate brands:
When you find a brand that claims to be sourcing their chocolate responsibly, check their website. Responsible chocolatiers will explain what they stand for and how they contribute to a better industry. Look for their mission statement or ‘about us’ page.
So now that you know what’s up, here are three companies that are making chocolate with purpose:
Tony’s Chocolonely
While Mars, Nestle, and Hershey - a few of the biggest producers in the world - vowed to help eradicate child slavery in the chocolate industry 20 years ago, very little has changed. Today, no company is as committed to this effort as Tony’s Chocolonely. Buying one of their chocolate bars is an investment in bringing an end to modern day slavery. This remarkable company is on a mission to make chocolate 100% slave-free, commercially successful, and delicious. They have one of the strongest and most inspiring vision statements we’ve discovered:
Our vision: 100% slave-free chocolate. Not just our chocolate, but all chocolate worldwide. While many companies are profiting handsomely from the sale of chocolate, the farmers who produce the cocoa are not being treated fairly or compensated equitably. Currently, West African countries supply more than 70% of the world's cocoa. Sadly, there are 1.56 million cases of illegal child labor, and more than 30,000 cases of modern-day slavery on cocoa farms in West Africa. Tony’s Chocolonely exists to change that. Chocolate can be made differently.
This is an inspiring example of a company whose operations are truly guided by its mission. Tony’s Chocolonely is not only making delicious chocolate, they’re actually changing the industry from the inside out by raising awareness, working where the most problems are, establishing responsible partnerships, and putting pressure on the industry through dialogue with politicians and NGO’s. Check out their roadmap to a slavery and child-labor free chocolate industry.
Askinosie Chocolate
Meet Askinosie Chocolate. This remarkable company is run by a father-daughter team in Springfield, Missouri. Not only are they committed to making great chocolate, but they’re also on a mission to transform the industry through direct trade with cacao farmers. They visit their farmer partners annually, share profits, and invest in community development projects.
“Meaningful work allows us to become a truer and better version of ourselves as a person and as a business.” - Shawn Askinosie
It doesn’t stop there. Askinosie has built their Chocolate University to inspire and teach kids about global kinship, international direct trade with farmers, artisan chocolate making, and the idea that small businesses can truly help solve the world's biggest challenges.
Theo Chocolate
Our third chocolatier has been making ethical, high quality chocolate bars and products in Seattle, Washington since 2004. Theo Chocolate is the first bean-to-bar, Fair for Life, and Fair Trade certified chocolatier in the US.
They’re doing an excellent job of making a positive impact by supporting all contributors throughout the chocolate production cycle. From the cacao farmers to the factory workers and delivery drivers, the team at Theo knows that they must honor and support all of their stakeholders. Take a look at their inspiring mission statement:
To create a more beautiful, compassionate, and enduring world by responsibly making delicious and inspiring products for everyone.
Their values — community, honesty, excellence, and well-being — are the foundation of their business and guide all of their decisions. And it’s paying off. In 2017 their revenue exceeded $25 million and their team had grown to nearly 100 people. Theo’s Chocolate shows us that it’s more than possible to build a successful business that’s rooted in relationships and has a strong moral compass.
There are multiple ways to drive change and have a positive impact within the chocolate industry. As a consumer, you can vote with your dollar and support chocolatiers dedicated to having a positive impact. If your passion runs deeper and you want to be a part of the change, keep up to date on industry trends and progress, share what you’ve learned with others, and look out for jobs with purpose-driven chocolatiers.
