Have you ever considered why most commercial chocolates are so inexpensive? This lower price is often a result of the practices employed by commercial chocolate manufacturers to minimize costs. These companies frequently pay cocoa farmers in producing countries only a fraction of what they truly deserve. Unfortunately, this leads to many farmers receiving inadequate wages, making it challenging for them to support themselves and their families.
In many cases, farmers face tough and hazardous working conditions, which makes it hard for them to provide enough cocoa beans for the chocolate manufacturing companies. This struggle can push some chocolate manufacturing companies into dire situations, where they might have no choice but to turn their system into child labor or forced labor. It’s a harsh cycle that not only affects the farmers’ daily lives but also highlights the ongoing issues in the farming industry.
However, one Dutch chocolate company is trying to fight against these unfair practices. This company is called Tony’s Chocolonely, and they are committed to ending unfair labor in the chocolate industry by practicing fair trade.
As Tony’s Chocolonely states on their website:
“We can’t achieve our goals alone. By ourselves, we’ll end exploitation in our cocoa supply chain. But together, we can change the industry across the globe. The more people join us and share our story, the sooner we’ll end exploitation in cocoa together. The choice is yours.”
This statement shows that Tony’s Chocolonely not only makes delicious chocolate but also creates a movement for change.
An interesting fact about their chocolate is that the chunks are intentionally uneven, unlike most commercial chocolate bars that are neatly shaped. Instead, the pieces are designed to look like some countries in Africa where chocolate companies may source their cocoa. Unfortunately, many farmers in these countries don’t get their fair share of the profits. According to Tony’s Chocolonely, “As long as the profits of the farmer’s labor are distributed unfairly, so too will their chocolate bars.” What might seem like just a strange design flaw actually holds deep meaning and serves as a symbol of fairness.
Tony’s once even took the bold step of leaving a slot empty in their advent calendar during one winter. This was a powerful statement highlighting the injustices within the industry, such as the low wages that farmers receive while working under challenging conditions to harvest the cocoa beans essential for mass-produced chocolate. Tony’s Chocolonely is deeply committed to addressing these issues, using this act as a reminder of their dedication to driving change. It serves as a call to action for all of us to take this matter seriously as well.
At the center of Tony’s chocolate is the principle of fair trade. This means that farmers receive a fair price for their crops, rather than the low rates set by the market. This commitment is one reason why Tony’s Chocolate is priced higher than many commercial brands. The increased cost ensures fair compensation for farmers while also helping to combat forced and child labor in the industry.
So, the next time you see a Tony’s Chocolonely bar at the store, take a moment to think about the message behind it. The uneven chocolate pieces? They’re not just a design feature — they represent the effort to make cocoa farming more fair. Choosing Tony’s Chocolate means supporting an effort to change a deeply flawed system and help build a more just future for cocoa farmers worldwide.
At Clague Middle School, students are working to raise awareness about the issues of child and forced labor. By spreading the word among students at Clague, we can increase awareness and encourage efforts to combat child and forced labor. As the delicious treat of chocolate is enjoyed, few realize the circumstances under which cacao beans are harvested.
