More than 40 percent of the world’s cocoa is produced in the Ivory Coast, a country in West Africa. Kids as young as seven years old work illegally in the plantations where they face dangerous jobs such as cutting down the cocoa and carrying heavy loads. Some are victims of child trafficking and most of the kids are never paid.

Fair trade chocolate provides an alternative. It allows us to enjoy the delicious treats without exploiting children in the process.

According to Tex Dworkin, Fair Trade online store manager for Global Exchange, when given the option, consumers often choose fair trade chocolate. That was her experience during last year’s popular Trick or Treat Action Kit which provided consumers with fair trade mini chocolates to give to houses passing out chocolates as opposed to getting chocolates from those households. The goal was to introduce fair trade chocolates as an option next time they are in the market for chocolate and provides consumers a tangible way to educate others and get more involved.

Fair trade chocolate is also a vote for women’s rights. This video shares the story of Comfort Kumeah, a cocoa farmer who is part of the Kuapa Kokoo cooperative, who, provided with the opportunity, has become the National Secretary, a job she considers a privilege. She also talks about how proud she is that women are so active and involved in the decision making at the cooperative.

 

The movie, The Dark Side of Chocolate, is another excellent opportunity to learn more about how the cocoa production process. You can schedule a screening in your home, community center, or place of faith.

The great thing is that fair trade chocolate is bountiful. Theo Chocolate, Equal Exchange, Dagoba, and Divine Chocolate have a variety of options, including bite-sized chocolates.

By choosing fair trade chocolate, you can be assured that your candy purchase supports cocoa workers and does not employ child labor. Fair Trade ensures that farmers and workers received a fair minimum price for their product, helping them support their families and send their children to school rather than into the field. Most Fair Trade Certified™ chocolate sold in the United States is also certified organic and shade-grown, which helps maintain the biodiversity of cocoa-cultivating ecosystems, provides shelter for migratory birds, and uses less energy than conventional farming.

Let’s raise the bar. Choosing fair trade chocolate allows us to enjoy eating chocolate, guilt-free. And I think fair trade chocolate tastes better, too.

What are your favorite chocolates brands or flavors? I’m partial to Theo Chocolates Ghost Chile Salted Caramels enrobed in dark chocolate (in case you wanted to send a gift).

~Megy