Buying Fair Trade Chocolate can prevent child and forced labor
The most popular candies in the U.S., and even around the world, are chocolate. Many of us buy and consume chocolate, but how many of us know how and where it comes from?
Chocolate is largely made up of cacao beans, which is primarily grown in the tropical climates of Western Africa, Asia, and Latin America (World Cocoa Foundation).
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, nearly 60% of the world’s cocoa is produced in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana alone, but an estimated 2 million children were found in hazardous working conditions in these two countries.
Purchasing fair trade chocolate can prevent child and forced labor while supporting ethical producers of these products.
Now is the perfect time to order Fair Trade Chocolate products
Consumers have the power to decide what they want from the market with every purchase, so taking a stand and buying fair trade products is a great way to encourage manufacturers to get their fair trade certifications.
With Halloween decorating our stores and homes, now is the perfect time to order fair trade chocolate products!
The Good Trade features 10 Fair Trade companies perfect for a variety of chocolate lovers! Whether you want darker than dark chocolate or sweet truffles, each brand has something special to offer their consumers.
And for those who want to buy in bulk for trick or treaters or just to indulge your sweet tooth year-round, Equal Exchange Chocolate carries products ranging from hot cocoa and baking mix to chocolate bars and mini treats.
Purchasing products certified as fair trade supports the ethical treatment of farmers and workers to ensure safe working conditions and fair wages. Spread the message with every confection you gift!
Learn more now, during fair trade month!
In celebration of Fair Trade Month, UAHT is hosting events to encourage viewers to ask questions and learn more about fair trade.
We will be airing a viewing of the documentary “The Dark Side of Chocolate” on Thursday, October 29th from 6-7:30 PM CST.
This documentary and discussion will feature a guest speaker to answer questions about what fair trade is and how consumers can get more involved in the movement.
We will also be releasing new episodes of Making Justice, including an episode with Equal Exchange.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to learn more information and hear about the impact that fair trade has on others!
We have to know the signs of labor trafficking and exploitation, and we need to be engaged as consumers if we truly want to create a world where all are free. Here’s how you can keep learning:
