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Ah!laska Organic Information "AH!LASKA is the first and still the number one selling Organic Cocoa and Chocolate Syrup in the U.S." [src]

Ben & Jerry's Organic Information Ben and Jerry's offers four certified organic products: "Organic Chocolate Fudge Brownie," "Organic Strawberry," "Organic Sweet Cream and Cookies," and "Organic Vanilla." [src]

Chocolove Organic Information Chocolove is not certified organic by the USDA, but: "When the USDA National Organic program (USDA NOP) was announced, we notified our supplier in Belgium and requested they have the organic chocolate certified according to the USDA NOP Program. The organic chocolate we used was in part made by a French subsidiary of our Belgian supplier from cocoa beans grown in the Caribbean and sugar from South America. This made finding a USDA accredited certifier for all the facilities too cumbersome for our supplier and they have not been able to certify the chocolate as organic. Also, as there is a strong demand for organic chocolate in Europe and our supplier's current certification process satisfies European regulations, they are not motivated to pursue certification of the organic chocolate we were using for the US Market." [src]

Clif Bar Organic Information CLIF Nectar bars (dark chocolate and walnut flavor) and CLIF Z Bars (chocolate chip and chocolate brownie flavors) are made with organic chocolate products. All other CLIF bar products contain some organic ingredients, but DO NOT contain organic chocolate products. Non-organic products include: CLIF Bars, CLIF Shots, Luna Bars, and Builder's Bars. See the CLIF Bar Website for more information.

Cocoa Camino Organic Information "Cocoa Camino cocoa is organically grown by co-operative farmers in the Dominican Republic who are committed to traditional growing techniques that rely on natural, not chemical pesticides."[src]

Country Choice Organic Information Country Choice cocoa is Oregon Tilth Certified Organic. [src]

Cloud Nine Organic Information Some Cloud Nine chocolates are organic. These are: "Cloud Nine Organic Chocolate Bars," "Tropical Source Organic Chocolate Bars," "Cloud Low Fat Candy Bar," and "Sorrento Valley Organic Chocolate Candies." The Tropical Source Organic Chocolate Bars "were the first organic chocolate made in America." [src]

Dagoba Organic Information Dagoba cocoa is made from "beans that are organic and shade grown and thus preserve the environment" [src]

Dean's Beans Organic Information Dean's Beans products are USDA certified organic.

Endangered Species Organic Information The 'Organic Premium' Endangered Species chocolate bars are certified organic, but not the standard bars.

Green and Black's Organic Information All Green and Black's products sold in the UK and EU are certified organic by the Soil Association, products sold in America are certified organic by the California Certified Organic Farmers. "The ingredients in [Green and Black's] products are organic as they have been cultivated in an environment where the use of artificial and chemical fertilisers and pesticides is severely restricted. Organic production prohibits the use of genetically engineered ingredients." [src]

Equal Exchange Organic Information All Equal Exchange products are certified organic and grown under a shade canopy. [src]

Health By Chocolate Organic Information "Our chocolate bar is 95% organic and our drink is 70% organic." [src]

Lake Champlain Organic Information Lake Champlain Organic Fair Trade Hot Chocolate is certified organic. [src]

Malagasy Organic Information "Careful nurturing and cultivation by the farmers ensure disease free beans with plots achieving organic ECOCERT BIO status."[src]

Newman's Own Organic Information "All Newman's Own Organics products are certified organic by Oregon Tilth" [src]

Rapunzel Organic Information Rapunzel chocolates are certified organic by QAI. [src]

Raw Revolution Organic Information "Raw Revolution bars contain at least 95% organic ingredients" [src]

Scharffen Berger Organic Information Scharffen Berger chocolate is not organic. "When samples of the shell and bean fragments used by Scharffen Berger underwent chemical analysis, no synthetic residues were found. Whether this means there were no chemicals present at the outset or whether processing removed them is unclear. If nothing else, it means that consumers wanting organic chocolate can safely buy Scharffen Berger despite its lack of official certification." [src]

Santa Cruz Organic Information Santa Cruz Organic Chocolate Syrup is USDA certified organic. [src]

Sojourn Organic Information Sojourn hot chocolate is USDA certified organic.

Shaman Chocolates Organic Information "Certified organically grown and processed in accordance with ICS/US Standards." [src]

Sunspire Organic Information Sunspire products are certified organic by QAI. [src]

Sweet Earth Organic Information Sweet Earth Chocolates are Certified Organic by California Certified Organic Farmers. [src]

Terra Nostra Organic Information Terra Nostra chocolates are USDA and QAI certified organic. [src]

Ah!laska Fair Trade Information Ah!laska is not Fair Trade Certified, and I am unclear of their fair trade practices. However, their website states that they use fair trade sources: "Since sugar and cocoa can be two of the most unrewarding crops grown in terms of the environment, for both the earth and the people growing them, Donna's interest in supporting sustainable growing practices focused her exclusively on 100% organic ingredients from fair trade sources" [src]

Amano Artisan Chocolate Fair Trade Information "Unfortunately, the history of chocolate is full of unscrupulous companies and people who have engaged in unethical business practices. One of these is that the large companies created a lock on the industry so that they could dictate the price to the cocoa farmer. This meant that the farmers were always living on borderline poverty and often had to resort to child labor or poor farming practices in order to stay afloat and feed their families. Since Amano is concerned only with the highest quality cocoa beans, Amano always pays farmers and co-ops significantly more for their product than is set by the "fair trade" organizations. Unfortunately, it costs significant amounts of money for the farmers to become fair-trade certified in addition to it being a long drawn out process. Many farmers simply cannot afford it. At Amano, we believe in paying a premium price for premium cocoa beans. The prices we pay are measured in multiples (i.e., 3-4 times) the London Cocoa Terminal Market price. This not only ensures that we obtain the highest quality beans available but this also ensures that the farmers we work with not only can provide for their families but are encouraged to produce a high quality product and improve their farms. We don't pay the prices we pay to get a label on our box we do it because it is the right thing to do." [src]

Art Bars (Ithaca Fine Chocolates) Fair Trade Information "Ithaca Fine Chocolates is the first U.S. chocolate company to be Fair Trade Certified. Fair Trade fosters self-reliance in small-scale cocoa farmers, which effectively raises their living standards." [src]

Ben and Jerry's Fair Trade Information Ben and Jerry's offers four socially responsible flavors (Chocolate, Coffee, Strawberry, Vanilla). "The cocoa powder we use to make this knock-down delicious chocolate ice cream is made from a blend of cocoa beans, most of which come from Kuapa Kokoo, a democratically run growers' cooperative in Ghana, West Africa. Kuapa Kokoo, whose name means 'good farmers cocoa company', exists to support small scale farmers and enhance their strength in the cocoa trading chain by increasing their income level, encouraging sustainable farming and production techniques, and opening new markets for their fine cocoa beans. We're working with our supplier to support Kuapa Kokoo's commitment to a sustainable future for the co-op's members and their communities. Along with you, our chocolate-loving fans, we can lend a hand to help secure a healthful future for Kuapa Kokoo's commitment to positive social change. We think it gives a special flavor to this deep, dark, chocolate ice cream, and we hope you enjoy all the extra goodness!" [src]

Chocolove Fair Trade Information Chocolove is not Fair Trade Certified, and they make no reference to any fair trade projects on their website. They do address child labor issues: "Our policy states that we will not buy chocolate or ingredients from firms that use or reinforce the use of exploited labor of any sort. Our chocolate supplier does not engage in and does not support forced or exploitative labor practices. Given that our supplier has a facility on the Ivory Coast, they are in a position to assure this, perhaps more than other firms who do not maintain a facility in the cocoa producing regions. I speak with my supplier about this subject weekly to encourage them to do what they can to help other companies prevent such activities and apply what pressure they can in the region" [src]

Chuao Fair Trade Information "Chuao is a cooperative of about 740 acres that is managed by the workers who farm it, and European manufacturers still compete to corner the production of the Chuao Plantation." [src]

Camino Cocoa Fair Trade Information Cocoa Camino cocoa is Fair Trade Certified. "A Siembra Co-op sources its fair trade certified organic cocoa from CONACADO (Confederacion Nacional de Cacaocultores Dominicanos) in the Dominican Republic. CONACADO is a registered co-operative producer group on the Fair Trade Labelling Organizations International (FLO) cocoa producer register. It is comprised of 9,000 small-scale farmers organized into 9 regional 'bloque' associations, each consisting of 126 village associations. Throughout the organization, approximately 80 persons are employed to ensure its effective administration at the national and regional levels." [src]

Coffee-Tea-Etc. Fair Trade Information "The beans for our hot chocolate come from an Organic and Fair Trade Certified cooperative called Conacado of the Dominican Republic. Shade grown supports the habitat for migrating songbirds, creating a forest like environment that many of them need." [src]

Cloud Nine Fair Trade Information The organic chocolates produced by Cloud Nine use fair trade practices, but are not Fair Trade Certified. "Cloud Nine has recently committed to working directly with an organic cacao growers cooperative in the tropical rain forests of Central Mexico. By purchasing their entire crop at over market prices, Cloud Nine helps to preserve the rain forest providing a sustainable level of income for the farmers, as well as keeping the land free from harmful chemicals." [src]

Dagoba Fair Trade Information "We source Fair Trade Certified cacao as much as possible and currently offer the widest range of Fair Trade Certified organic chocolate and cacao products in both foodservice and retail sizing Conacado chocolate bar, cacao powder, three hot chocolates, 73% Chocodrops, chocolate covered coffee beans and chocolate syrup. At this time, not all cocoa bean varieties Dagoba requires are available through Fair Trade co-ops. Dagoba ensures that all the farmers we source from receive equitable prices and that no abusive child labor is used, and work directly with our producers to offer technical assistance in various areas. See our origins section to learn more." [src]

Dean's Beans Fair Trade Information Dean's Beans products are fair trade certified. "We were the first to offer Fair Trade cocoa in the USA." "Half the profits are returned to the indigenous growers cooperative in Costa Rica that supplies us with the cocoa." [src]

Day Bar Divine Chocolate Fair Trade Information Divine chocolates are Fair Trade Certified. "In order to combat the threat of the farmers losing out during the liberalisation of the cocoa market in 1993, a group of cocoa farmers including a visionary farmer representative on the Ghana Cocoa Board, Nana Frimpong Abrebrese came together to form a co-operative that would collect and sell its own cocoa for the member farmers' own benefit. Supported by Twin and SNV, a Dutch NGO, they set up their own company to buy their cocoa and sell it on to the Government Cocoa Buying Board. The cocoa farmers' organisation was founded and named 'Kuapa Kokoo' which in the local language, Twi, means 'Good Cocoa Farmers Company'. Their motto is 'Pa Pa Paa' which means 'the best of the best of the best'. The organisation is for farmers and set up by them with the mission to effect: increased power and representation within the market for the farmers social, economic and political empowerment enhanced women's participation in all its affairs environmentally sustainable production processes Kuapa's transparency and democratic nature Member farmers are no longer cheated as they are by other cocoa buying companies. For example Kuapa Kokoo has a strong reputation for using accurate weighing scales and using scales that are understood by illiterate farmers. The farmers are encouraged to check the scales against things of a known weight. Kuapa has commissioned the production of 'weight stone', equivalent to a full, single sack of cocoa which are carried in Kuapa Kokoo vehicles and operations staff carry out official random checks to ensure the village recorder is using accurate scales. Kuapa prides itself on its democratic nature and all decisions affecting the farmers are taken by elected representatives." [src]

Domori Fair Trade and Organic Information "What is Domoris position with respect to organic and fair-trade products? Domori is certified to produce both and does: Sambirano cacao and Apurimac cacao are organic, Arriba cacao is fair-trade and Dominican Republic cacao is both organic and fair-trade. However we dont identify ourselves as an organic or fair-trade company because our mission is to recuperate fine cacao and to promote taste education that goes beyond patterns and labels. During our journey, these roads can cross, but we think that this challenge that we are confronting is difficult and we need to keep it clear in our minds." [src]

El Rey Fair Trade and Organic Information "ORGANICALLY AND NATURALLY GROWN El Rey offers consumers gourmet chocolate made from fairly traded cacao beans direct from small and large-scale growers in Venezuela. In our business there is no extraordinary cast of middlemen, otherwise known as coyotes, who pay the lowest price to growers. On the contrary, El Rey seeks to balance the inequities found in the conventional third world trade by having established Aprocao, which is a democratically run cooperative managed by El Rey and which pays above-market prices for its cacao beans. Our trading partners are small growers and large who deal directly with Aprocao without intermediaries. Through Aprocao El Rey teaches growers how to manage the soil in a sustainable agricultural system promoting natural cycles without chemical pesticides or fertilizers and how to ferment each cacao harvest to earn the best price. To quote PCC Natural Markets, El Rey Chocolate also pays a premium to the Venezuelan farmers that grow its cacao, " [src]

Endangered Species Fair Trade Information The "Organic Premium" Endangered Species chocolate bars are Fair Trade Certified, but not the standard bars. "As one of the few chocolate companies that actually produce their own products, we are able to enjoy the benefit of having one of our own in the cocoa and beet sugar fields of west Africa and South America. Several times a year, he makes unscheduled visits to document and insure that the Fair Trade Initiative we subscribe to is in fact being adhered to - but more importantly to also verify that no children are being exploited or used in the growing and harvesting of any ingredients used in our products." [src]

Equal Exchange Fair Trade Information Equal Exchange "always pay a fair price to the farmer, including a guaranteed minimum when market prices are low, and above market premiums for quality and certified organic products. To work directly with democratically run farming cooperatives - businesses that are owned and governed by the farmers - so that the benefits of trade actually reach the farmers and their communities. To provide vital advanced credit to farmers, which is normally unavailable or offered at prohibitive rates. Credit provides income between harvests and helps farmers stay out of debt. To encourage ecologically sustainable farming practices that help build a long-term economic base for farmers while protecting their communities, the environment and consumers from dangerous chemicals. To develop long-term trade relations based on trust and respect." [src]

Green and Blacks Fair Trade Information The "Maya Gold Bars" offered by Green and Black's are Fair Trade Certified. Green and Black's ensures that cocoa farmers are paid fairly for cocoa used in their other bars. "We do have Faritrade status on our entire Organic Fairtrade Maya Range but not all of Green & Black's range does hold this status. Fairtrade is a subject that Green & Black's cares passionately about. I would like to take this opportunity to explain to you our social policy as a whole which includes both the Fairtrade products that you read about on our website and all the rest of our range. I will begin with the products that do have the fair-trade status. Fairtrade Currently, we support a project in Belize, the TCGA (Toledo, Cacao Growers Association). We directly support this particular project as we feel it is highly worthwhile given that the TCGA are not part of a bigger co-operative and, as a result of Hurricane Iris lost much of their production capabilities. We have supported their cocoa production since 1994 in several ways, ranging from purchasing all their cocoa they can produce through to providing project management for commercial farming activities. Through supporting this project directly, we have secured a grant from the UK government agency DFID for £225 000. Green & Black's have matched these funds to ensure the continual development of the cocoa plantations, and the farmers incomes in Belize. All of this money will benefit the farmers directly, with these funds paying for infrastructure to support the production and sale of their cocoa. The aim is to increase production to a minimum of 200 tonnes, which Green & Black's are contractually obliged to purchase. More information on this project can be found on our website. www.greenandblacks.com Fairtrade Maya Gold When it was launched in 1994, Maya Gold chocolate was the first product ever to receive the Fair-trade Mark. The recipe is based on a drink the Mayan Indians developed and that the cocoa farmers call Kukuh a combination of cocoa, orange and spices. Through helping the cocoa farmers directly through this project, we believe we make a real difference. In the 10 years we have been involved, we see evidence of this direct involvement with more farmers being able to send their children to school. We will continue to support the cocoa farmers from Belize with this project and believe, that given its history, Maya is the product to highlight this. In using the Fairtrade mark on the Maya product this allows G&B to demonstrate our commitment to the Belize project and provides a forum to talk about our involvement. 2% of all sales are sent to the Fairtrade Foundation for commitment to other Fairtrade projects and creating publicity surrounding Fairtrade products. So with a focus on Maya this allows us to allocate more time and money to making one project work well without diluting our resources against a number of projects and in doing so we will expand the Maya Gold brand to highlight our association for example, Maya gold Hot Chocolate was launched in March 2005. By choosing one project to support (or rather they have chosen us!!), the personal involvement allows us to help proactively manage the issues these farmers have and to support their individual growth. Green & Blacks commitment in terms of resource exceeds that required by Fairtrade. Organic Cocoa All the cocoa we use in our entire product range is organic cocoa and we are committed to tracing the cocoa from bean to bar - literally!! This allows us to see where the cocoa is coming from and who is producing it which ensures it has been grown correctly to organic standards and that its growth has supported the local ecosystem. Quite often it means that Green & Black's knows the farmers from whom we source the cocoa.-this personal involvement ensures that a premium is paid for the cocoa sourced for Green & Black's. The premium paid for organic production of cocoa is paid to the co-operatives and farmers. The organic farming practices are also more sustainable due to the reduced chemical usage additionally benefiting the farmers and the natural environment. So you see we put a huge amount of effort into producing these products but our social responsible policy is also evident through out the rest of our range. By merely being an organic company Green & Black's have committed to producing food of optimum quality and quantity using sustainable management practices, thereby minimising the damage to the environment and wildlife. This is obtained through reduced use of chemicals, minimisation of waste, maximising utilisation of renewable energy and through social principles, such as the support of responsible development to ensure a fair and adequate quality of life, work satisfaction and working environment for people involved in organic production. Green & Blacks embrace all these principles entirely. At Green & Black's we pay a premium over the commodity price for organic cocoa and we also pay an additional premium for highest quality cocoa, thereby ensuring that the farmers are being paid a fair and substantially higher price for their cocoa. May I reiterate again that using the Fairtrade mark on our Organic Fairtrade Maya Gold range and Organic Fairtrade Cocoa products ensures resource and money is not diluted. I hope this has helped you to understand Green & Blacks policy and that we are committed to improving the lives and communities who help provide us with quality Organic Cocoa. Through supporting Green & Black's as a company, our growth will directly benefit the farmers in Belize and the organic farmers around the world who help provide us with quality cocoa." [Georgie Foottit, Customer Care Manager, Green and Black's]

Health By Chocolate Fair Trade Information "Health by chocolate is fair trade certified by Transfair USA, a non-profit organization that certifies that farmers are paid a livable wage and that they engage in environmentally sound growing methods." [src]

Lake Champlain Fair Trade Information Lake Champlain's Organic Fair Trade Hot Chocolate is Fair Trade Certified. [src]

Malagasy Fair Trade Information Malagasy chocolate is totally crafted in Madagascar. Malagasy is "a project to help end poverty in Madagascar by producing finished chocolate and other fine foods from the wealth of natural sources in Madagascar, a country of great resources and potential." [src]

Max Havelaar Fair Trade Information Max Havelaar is a label widely available in many European countries. Products with this label are organic and Fair Trade Certified. Max Havelaar's objectives are: "To provide market access at fair and sustainable conditions for products grown by farming cooperatives and agricultural workers in disadvantaged regions of the Southern hemisphere.\nTo coordinate the certification and verify that products with the Max Havelaar quality label are produced and sold in accordance with international standards of fair trade." [src] "Max Havelaar stands for fair trade with farming cooperatives and plantations. This includes among other things:\nfair prices to cover costs of production\nguaranteed minimum wages for workers\nfair trade premium for the realisation of community projects\nas well as long-term trade relations\nProducts are grown in accordance with strict standards (social and environmental) to guarantee premium quality.\nThe Max Havelaar Foundation grants a license to use its label. It is as a non-profit organization and does not deal directly with products." [src]

Newman's Own Fair Trade Information "Our group of cooperatives are inspected to verify compliance with organic standards. They require written verification from the inspector that each farm is 'slavery-free.'" [src]

Nirvana Chocolates Fair Trade Information "Nirvana Chocolates are belgian made chocolates, we now offer a Fair trade chocolate spread, fair trade chocolate bars and fair trade chocolate gift-boxes (truffles)- These items are made with fair trade chocolate couverture and sugar. Unfortunately, we have not yet updated our web-pages to reflect these items." -- Christophe Van Riet, Nirvana Chocolates

Omanahene Fair Trade Information Omanahene products are Fair Trade Certified. "The Omanhene Cocoa Bean Company is producing world class chocolate entirely in Ghana using beans The Financial Times calls 'the finest cocoa in the world.' ... Omanhene has proven itself one of the most successful and creative joint ventures between the U.S. and Ghana. We have won accolades from United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, Shirley Temple (former ambassador to Ghana) and President Jimmy Carter. We produce value-added gourmet chocolate tailored specifically to export markets resulting in enhanced foreign exchange revenues for Ghana. The sale of Omanhene chocolate results in higher revenues and consequently higher wages for both workers at the chocolate factory and for local cocoa farmers. Since cocoa is a commodity crop, farm incomes in Ghana are subject to world cocoa price fluctuations. Ghanaian cocoa farmers have previously been forced to abandon their farms when world cocoa prices stagnate." [src]

Rapunzel Fair Trade Information Rapunzel Pure Organics are not Fair Trade Certified, but they describe their "Hand in Hand" fair trade program on their website: "Rapunzel Pure Organics believes that sustainable, fair, and enlightened business practices play an important role in protecting our social and environmental health here and globally. We feel that the pragmatic approach of the Fair Trade Program Hand in Hand is one of the most effective means of bringing about positive change to the lives of farmers and their families worldwide. We named our program Hand in Hand because it is only by working hand in hand with our partners overseas that we can be successful in effecting long-term improvements. Our intent is not to support our partners with charitable contributions, but to stimulate total, beneficial renovation in the way trading is done with farmers and processors in the developing world. Rapunzel actively creates and maintains certified organic farming projects worldwide, through which farmers or cooperatives connect with us in a long-lasting relationship of producing, consulting, purchasing, pricing fairly, and making social improvements. Rapunzel buys organic food products from over 60 countries around the world. Thousands of small-scale farmers are involved, and especially in the developing world, we support them with a program that, above everything else, stabilizes their income through a minimum-price system. Besides the monetary support, Rapunzel offers additional benefits to the communities through the Hand in Hand program. Working in this way with many local communities and cooperatives that grow organic products, such as coffee, cocoa, sugar or vanilla, Rapunzel facilitates long-term sustainable agriculture in these regions; we support farmers so that they don't have to worry about whether or not they will still be able to own their farms the next season. Without this assurance, farmers could eventually be forced to sell their land and move to the slums of the cities, or they may be driven to change to agricultural systems that would not sustain a stable eco- and agro-system. What are the Criteria for Rapunzel's Eco- and Fair-Trade? Rapunzel's Eco-Trade criteria are based not only on our long-established fair trade convictions and ideals, but we are also using guidelines for social justice and fair trade established by IFOAM, the International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements. Furthermore, we work by the definitions and requirements developed by the group SA 8000 (Social Accountability) and by the Council on Economic Priorities (CEP)." [src]

Scharffen Berger Fair Trade Information Scharffen Berger chocolates are not Fair Trade Certified and they describe no fair trade practices on their website. They include the following explanation: "First, at this time, only very small amounts of certified Fair Trade cacao is available. It represents a small fraction of the total annual cacao yield. In addition, the cacao beans that are produced and certified as Fair Trade vary greatly in quality, care in handling, degree of fermentation and other factors. Because of these inconsistencies, we cannot produce a finished product consistent with our artisan demands for flavor based solely on Fair Trade beans. Second, although Scharffen Berger can help, we are unlikely to have a significant impact on the sale or production of Fair Trade cacao by ourselves. We work to the degree we are able to advance the awareness and the truths we have come to know regarding Fair Trade cacao. Third, the Fair Trade licensing organizations do not allow companies to advertise the use of Fair Trade cacao unless the entire finished product is made from certified Fair Trade cacao. Since Scharffen Berger blends cacao from a number of different origins to make chocolate, it is unlikely in the near future that we will be able to use the Fair Trade label. Fourth, please be assured that we believe this issue to be extremely important (more important, in fact, than an organic certification. Approximately 80% of the cacao grown worldwide is de facto organic and that we will continue to try to find and use Fair Trade cacao of high quality in our chocolate." [src] "At the moment we have an understanding with two growers (among eight or nine origins we use) to purchase of a specific quality at a pre-determined price. In every other case we pay significantly more than the stated world price to obtain cacao that meets our standards. We hope over time to work with receptive cooperatives to elevate both the quality of the cacao they produce and the payment they receive." [src]

Sojourn Fair Trade Information Sojourn hot chocolates are Fair Trade Certifed.

Shaman Chocolates Fair Trade Information Shaman Chocolates are Fair Trade Certifed, and "all profits go to support the Huichol Indians" [src]

Sunspire Fair Trade Information Sunspire is not Fair Trade Certified, but they do have some fair trade practices: "We support the principles of fair trade and we purchase cocoa that is produced under fair labor conditions. However, our products do not have fair trade certification. Our cocoa is grown in Central America and parts of South America. We do not purchase chocolate from the Ivory Coast in Africa or any other regions of the world where abusive labor practices are known to occur. The organic cocoa in Sunspire's certified organic products is purchased at premium prices and produced to standards that map very closely to fair trade practices. Many of the growers who supply us iwth organic cocoa are members of fair trade coalitions within their own countries. We have learned a great deal from all of our chocolate growers and suppliers during our many years of doing business together. We stand by their statements that they are producing cocoa under fair labor conditions. All of them belong to the World Cocoa Foundation and the Chocolate Manufacturer's Association. These groups are committed to working towards the eradication of 'slave labor' conditions in the cocoa trade on a global level." [src]

Sweet Earth Fair Trade Information Sweet Earth Chocolates are Fair Trade Certified. "Like the Hippocratic oath, First, do no harm, we promise that eating our Fair-Trade-certified chocolate does no harm, either to the earth or the people who depend on it. Currently, our beans come from either the Dominican Republic or Costa Rica, the only two countries in the world where there are farmers' cooperatives that are certified organic and Fair Trade. In the meantime, net profits from our chocolate bars will go to support West African cooperatives in their efforts to become organic. Organic and Fair Trade are like two soybeans in the pod of sustainability. Organic supports the soil and human health, protecting us from chemical pollutants. Fair Trade promotes community health by paying the farmer a higher price. Support the future by purchasing our delicious, high-quality products made from fairly traded and organic chocolate." [src]

Terra Nostra Fair Trade Information Terra Nostra is not Fair Trade Certified, but they have some fair trade practices. "I am in the process of crafting as many my products as I can, following these socially responsible trade guidelines. A) Organic. Although not registered Fair Trade, the Organic Farming practices in essence, provide farmers with a sustainable development method which in most cases not only translates to the farming methods but the responsible social aspects. Also, Organic farmers get paid a premium for growing Organic ingredients which should translate to a better standard of living. I have formally requested, QAI (Quality Assurance International) my third party Organic Certifier and leader in the Organic Certifying field, to incorporate a social responsibility aspect in the continuing audits that are performed at the farm level. QAI has informed me that several other manufacturers have been requesting this and they are working on a model to address a social responsible audit to their existing Organic audit procedures. B) Equi Trade Is a private initiative that is intended as a combination of efforts to help distribute some of the wealth created by products which carry this logo to 2 distinct areas. 1) At source ingredients. 2) At consumption area Let me explain. 1) The 'At Source' ingredient is where farmers & growers and other people involved in the cultivation, harvesting and preparation of crops used as ingredients get paid fairly for the crops used in this product, making every effort to audit and check the plantations so no slave or child labor is used. Distribution of funds will be done directly by myself where I buy ingredients directly or in conjunction with other organizations already established. For you to know, a percentage of the Aqua-Traded ingredients by weight is calculated and shown right on the package. 2) 'At consumption area' is where Aqua-Trade plans to give back some benefit to the communities in the 'developed' world where needs are present and under-addressed, in our cities and countries. Such areas could be, Literacy programs, food for children, books and education and many more areas where an opportunity can be fomented or created for people that can shine once given this opportunity. I am a Chocolatier, and don't pretend to know how to distribute these funds, so these funds will be distributed to expert associations in the field already doing this great work. Aqua-Trade is in its infancy, these products being the first ones created with it in mind. Any suggestions will be appreciated as we all , with your help, try to make a positive difference to this world using the gift and pleasure of chocolate as a vehicle." [src]

Tony's Chocolonely Tony's Chocolonely bar was created specifically in response to the slavery in other chocolate bars. Tony van de Keuken tried to have himself prosecuted under Dutch laws because he had bought slave-produced chocolate. He wanted to bring more attention to the slavery that's in a lot of chocolate. He was successful at generating a good amount of publicity. This bar is guaranteed to be slave-free. [src]

Valrhona "... Valrhona has establisthed privileged relations with certain planters by means of very long term contracts, which guarantee the planters the profitability of their operations as well as commercial recognition of their production, and which ensures that Valrhona will obtain the best cocoa beans." [src]

365 Organic Chocolate/Whole Foods Private Label Fair Trade Information Whole Foods private label organic chocolates are not Fair Trade Certified, but they do have fair trade practices. "All of our organic cocoa beans are grown in the Dominican Republic by a young co-op of small farmers called the YACAO Project. Established in 1999, the YACAO Project aims to raise the standard of living for Dominican farmers by providing a high quality product. With a professional agronomist on site, YACAO teaches cocoa farmers modern organic methods for the sustained health of the environment. And by guaranteeing the market price for all chocolate that meets YACAO's high quality standards, the project has already provided a livelihood for many small farmers and their families." [src] Click here for more information on the YACAO project.

Yachana Fair Trade Information "Yachana Gourmet believes the future of the rainforest is inextricably linked to the wellbeing of its inhabitants. Poverty and its causes inevitably lead to environmental degradation. In an effort to alleviate poverty and protect the rainforest, Yachana Gourmet supports Fair Trade practices and buys directly from rural producer cooperatives and family farmers cultivating cacao that is shade grown in the delicate rainforest of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Yachana Gourmet has created a fair market where none previously existed. For local farmers, these favorable terms of trade have strengthened the case for viable economic alternatives to unsustainable land uses, such as unregulated logging, cattle ranching, and the cultivation of illicit crops. Your purchase of Jungle Chocolate helps Yachana Gourmet: Increase small producers' incomes by cutting out exploitative middlemen and paying Fair Trade prices; Offer a secure and stable market on which local subsistence farmers can depend; Provide technical assistance to enhance local productivity and competitiveness; and Support FUNEDESIN's rainforest conservation and sustainable development projects. Yachana Gourmet is enhancing the region's long-term ability to succeed economically while protecting its natural resources." "Yachana Gourmet is a member of the Fair Trade Federation. Yachana buys the cocoa directly from the small-scale farmers for a price that is at least 25-30% higher than the price paid by local intermediaries." 100% of the money raised from chocolate sales goes back into the Ecuadorean jungle economy where the cacao is grown. [src]