Chocolate has become a regular presence in many of our lives, but it is important to remember it is a luxury.

The cacao industry has been plagued with issues of child labor, Slavery, unfair trade practices, poor pay for goods, and unsustainable farming methods.

It is essential to understand these issues and the importance of purchasing ethical ceremonial grade cacao, which is traceable from bean to bar or checking with The Food Empowerment Project (F.E.P.) who publish a list of companies that sell chocolates that they do and do not recommend. 

Ceremonial Cacao refers to a premium grade, pure cacao that is ethically sourced from non-GMO small family farms, practicing regenerative agroforestry and safe working conditions. Ceremonial cacao is made from a single ingredient, whole cacao beans, with nothing added or removed.

Child Labor

As consumers today, we have no sure way of knowing if the chocolate we buy involved the use of slavery or child labor. 

Child labor is one of the most significant problems associated with the cacao industry. According to the International Labour Organisation, over two million children are involved in child labor in West Africa alone, where the majority of the world’s cacao is produced. Children as young as five years old are forced to work long hours in hazardous conditions, often with no access to education or healthcare. Even more shockingly some of these Children are sold as slaves and trafficked for work and don’t see their families for many years!

Multiple government and NGO programs have been developed in an attempt to address the root causes of “the worst forms of child labor” and slavery in the chocolate industry. However, these efforts will not be successful unless the chocolate industry begins to show genuine support for paying cocoa farmers a living income.

Unfair Trade Practices

The cacao trade is also characterised by unfair trade practices that exploit farmers and workers. Many farmers are paid below the cost of production and are forced to sell their crops to middlemen who pay low prices. These middlemen then sell the cacao to chocolate manufacturers at a significantly higher price, leaving farmers with little to no profit.

Parents are then often forced to include their children in the farm labor instead of sending them to school because they are not paid enough for the cocoa they sell. 

Unsustainable Farming Methods

Cacao farming can also have a significant impact on the environment. The use of pesticides and fertilizers can lead to soil degradation, water pollution, and deforestation. These practices not only harm the environment but can also have long-term consequences for farmers and their communities.

Why Choose Ceremonial Grade Cacao?

Ceremonial grade cacao is a term used to describe cacao that is produced using sustainable and ethical practices. It is often sourced from small, family-owned farms that prioritize the well-being of their workers and the environment.

Traceability

Ceremonial grade cacao is traceable from bean to bar, meaning that every step of the production process is monitored and documented. This ensures that the cacao is produced ethically and sustainably, and that workers are paid fair and even way above traditional wages for their labor.

Quality

Ceremonial grade cacao is also known for its high quality and unique flavour profile. It is often produced using traditional methods that preserve the natural flavour of the cacao, without the use of additives or flavourings.

Supporting Local Communities

By choosing ceremonial grade cacao, you are not only supporting sustainable and ethical farming practices, but you are also supporting local communities. Many of these small-scale farmers rely on the income from cacao to support their families and communities. By choosing to purchase ceremonial grade cacao, you are helping to create a more equitable and sustainable cacao industry.

While the cacao industry has a dark side, it is essential to understand that there are ethical and sustainable options available. Ceremonial grade cacao is a great choice for those who want to enjoy the health benefits and delicious taste of cacao while supporting ethical and sustainable farming practices.

By choosing ceremonial grade cacao, you are not only making a positive impact on the environment and local communities, but you are also enjoying a high-quality product that is traceable from bean to bar. So next time you reach for a piece of chocolate or a cup of hot cocoa, consider choosing ceremonial grade cacao and support a more sustainable and ethical cacao industry.

Visit Fair Trade for more information.

For Fair trade suppliers See the LIST HERE