Chocolate | Tiakarete
Happiness is... a block of (Fairtrade) chocolate
It’s a treat that many of us treasure and enjoy – but conditions for a cocoa farmer can be anything but joyful. At Fairtrade, we believe it’s time to connect the dots between the confectionary aisle and extreme poverty.
A bittersweet situation
With a value of $150 billion (USD), the global chocolate market is undeniably huge. It is estimated there are currently 50 million people worldwide who depend on the sector for their livelihoods.
However, for many cocoa farmers and their families (predominantly in West Africa), they face a lifetime of living below the poverty line. They can’t provide the basics for their family, face grueling conditions and devastatingly – there is little they can offer their children when it comes to education or opportunity.
And the bigger picture is this: generational extreme poverty breeds child labour, gender inequality and deforestation as well. None of which is an attractive proposition for those who would be the next generation of cocoa farmers. If these issues continue, the future of cocoa production is under serious threat.
We know, it’s pretty tough to digest all this. But there is a solution, one that has been working for more than twenty five years – and that’s buying Fairtrade chocolate.
Need some more reasons to buy Fairtrade chocolate? (Besides, chocolate)
Cocoa has grown to be one of the most prominent Fairtrade products since it was first certified in 1994. Here are some facts to help paint the picture:
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Of all Fairtrade cocoa farmers are in West Africa
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Farmers across 21 countries work with Fairtrade
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Increase in Fairtrade Chocolate sales in 2017
(making it the fastest-growing product category)
Other Fairtrade products
Where to buy Fairtrade chocolate
There are a tonne of brands to choose from if you are looking for Fairtrade chocolate, including several organic options, just look for the Fairtrade Mark in the confectionary aisle!