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    Chocolatemakers' chocolate has always been organic, and always will be. Why is that? What are our reasons for sticking to it forever? And why is it important to you? 

    Organic rightly has a good image. However, we often notice that not everyone sees the value of it. Persistent opinions such as 'it's just a marketing trick' or 'it all comes from the same factory' are often heard. We understand this, because unfortunately organic is not explained well enough. It costs more and sometimes there is less in it, and the benefits are a bit unclear without doing some research.

    Those who understand BIO understand us! That's why we explain it all here.

    FULL TASTE

    The reason you eat chocolate is, of course, taste. Preferably real chocolate taste. Most of the chocolate you see in the supermarket, from the big well known brands, doesn't have much to do with real chocolate anymore. It is mostly a mix of sugar, milk powder and flavor enhancers. 

    With chocolate, it's actually like with wine: with good chocolate you can taste a lot of things, like region, climate and also the attention and craftsmanship that is put into it. It is unbelievable how much crucial work the farmers in the origin countries do which contributes to the taste of the final bar. But that's a whole article in itself. Back to organic. Organic chocolate must not contain flavorings, flavor enhancers, sweeteners or other artificial additives. And that makes for a delicious, full and true cocoa taste.

    NO CHEMICALS

    Organic prohibits the use of chemical-synthetic sprays and artificial fertilizers. Non-organic products usually contain a veritable cocktail of pesticides and insecticides. This is a burden for man and nature. These substances are not good for our bodies and are disastrous for the ecosystems where the cocoa grows. 

    Furthermore, chemical additives such as sweeteners, preservatives or artificial coloring should not be used in organic products.

    HEALTHY ECOSYSTEMS

    Among other things, this is also directly related to the previous paragraph about chemicals. These substances penetrate deep into the soil and are transported with the rainwater to surrounding plants.

    The balance of the soil, other plants, insects and other animals gets disturbed. Did you know that a healthy ecosystem does not need people, and certainly not pesticides, to stay healthy and solve problems? Nature can take care of itself, if only we don't spray with chemicals. By buying organic you are contributing to the natural balance of nature.

    Organic cultivation also requires specific methods and practices for crop protection and soil conservation that ensure traceability and transparency. Organic standards are globally focused on maintaining the health of people, soils and ecosystems. Anyone who looks at the world with open eyes understands, that we need to change course quickly and take better care of our planet. Organic cultivation is a crucial step in the right direction.

    FAIRLY PAID FARMERS

    For conventional cocoa, the world market price is paid. A family can't even make ends meet on that price if both parents work and the children are working. For fair trade cocoa, the price is higher, but still below the amount that is called a "living income". 

    What is a livable income? The amount of a livable income varies by country and region. The farmer's income is only 'livable' when the children can be sent to school, the family can eat nutritious food, drink safe drinking water and live in a decent house. In addition, this income should allow them to access health care and save for unexpected setbacks. All this after the costs of farming are covered. In short: what we all consider to be livable and also necessary for ourselves.

    It tastes better, there is no poison in it, nature is protected and the farmers get paid fairly. Are there any questions?

    At Chocolatemakers, we have 10 years of making an impact and bringing about real change on the counter. And yes, we do that by making delicious chocolate. Chocolate where taste is key. We believe that the right choice can be - and MUST be - the tastiest choice. Only then will consumers make the right choice in the supermarket with a smile.


    Real change and sustainable choices were already important ten years ago, but the recent UN climate report shows that it is no longer a choice, but an absolute necessity. We can no longer afford to damage our planet's crucial ecosystems. Companies can do much to positively influence climate change. All companies, not just charities. Chocolatemakers is not a non-profit organisation, not a charity and not a hobby. We are proof that with honest, sustainable and smart business practices, you can definitely be a profitable company. But one that contributes to the solution, not the problem.

    The forest stays as long as it pays'.

    Cocoa cannot grow everywhere. The trees are dependent on the tropical rainforest climate and the presence of spider monkeys who, because they can hang onto the tree with their tails, have their hands free to break open the pods and eat the pulp. The seeds fall to the ground in the process - this is the only way the cocoa trees can reproduce. 

    The deforestation of rainforests is a way of generating income for the local population. By planting a buffer zone of cocoa trees at the edge of the rainforest (with enough shade plants for a diverse ecosystem), income can be generated without having to cut down the rainforest. That is where the real change happens. An alternative to deforestation, the only way to protect the rainforest.

    Every origin is different

    We source our cocoa beans from four different origins: Congo, Peru, Colombia and from the Dominican Republic. Each region and ecosystem has its own challenges and needs. Read here what we are doing in each origin to bring about real change.

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    Congo

    This is where our chocolate adventure began. In one of the most important ecosystems in the world: Virunga National Park on the border with Uganda. Not only an important ecosystem, but also the place where half of the remaining mountain gorillas live. Their habitat is also threatened by deforestation.

    The cocoa is a source of income for the farmers in the region with whom we work closely. This eliminates the need for deforestation, keeps the Virunga National Park intact and protects the last habitat of the mountain gorillas.

    The surcharge we pay for the cocoa is used to give people access to medical care locally. Recently, a university was opened where farmers receive training and guidance in the establishment and management of the plantations, the fermentation and drying of cocoa. This is done through the 'Farmer Field Schools' where knowledge is shared and mutual cooperation is promoted.

    And don't forget: our chocolate is organic. That means that no pesticides may be sprayed. The spraying of pesticides often happens in Africa, especially in West Ghana and Ivory Coast, and it is done by children, according to the UN one of the worst forms of child labour. So always make sure you buy organic chocolate.

    Every bite increases the impact: shop the Congo bars here.

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    Peru

    Our organic Fairtrade cocoa is grown by the Awajún along the banks of the Cenepa and Rio Santiago rivers in the Amazon Rainforest. The Awajún community numbers over 65,000 people and traditionally lives from slash and burn agriculture, i.e. deforestation. The growing population is increasing pressure on the forest. 

    They are members of the NorAndino cooperative, an organisation with about 5000 members including 1800 cocoa farmers, spread across northern Peru. In the Amazon rainforest, too, deforestation is a source of income; cocoa is an alternative to it and replaces deforestation as a source of income. It reduces the need for "slash and burn" agriculture, thus ensuring the survival of the rainforest.

    Besides protecting the Amazon rainforest, we are working with NorAndino on a very special project. Together with them we have built a real chocolate factory there, their own cocoa factory with a modern production line. This allows the farmers there to make their own chocolate and be an active part of the cocoa chain.

    Julio Peña Cordoba from Bajo Charanal, Piura, Peru:

    Because we have our own modern chocolate factory, we - as cocoa farmers - can also become chocolate makers for the first time. In this way, we are building a stronger position in the cocoa industry. That gives us great opportunities for the future.

    Every bite increases the impact: shop the Peru bars here.

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    Colombia

    The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is one of the most important ecosystems we have and is the highest mountain range in the part of Colombia where our delicious criollo cocoa comes from.

     It is home to a unique biodiversity and is of great value to local communities such as the Arhuaco tribe. This is where the delicious criollo cocoa comes from.

    Cocoa planting on the edges of the park keeps the landscape intact and restores it. A buffer zone is created around the protected national park. The organic cultivation techniques and the planting of shade trees contribute to a better soil quality.

    The beans of the high-quality Criollo cocoa have a beautiful, rich and complex taste. 

    Originally, a lot of coffee was grown in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta nature reserve. Women have been running the coffee cooperative CooAgroNevada since the civil war. From 2016, we bought special organic coffee from them. This dependence on coffee was a risk.

    The farmers were looking for help to expand their activities. In consultation with Stichting Progreso, the cooperative researched cocoa trees and found that indigenous (high-quality) Criollo cocoa still grows in the backyards of farmers in Colombia's Sierra Nevada region.

    They now grow coffee and cocoa. Both are organic. We buy the cocoa at a fair price. That gives the farmers more security. Together with the women's farmer cooperative Cooagronevada, to which more than 5000 farmers belong, we create buffer zones around the rainforest with cocoa trees to make deforestation unnecessary.

    Every bite increases the impact: shop the Colombia bars here.

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    Dominican Republic

    This is where our iconic bars with the sailing ship come from. And why is there a sailing ship on the packaging? Because the cocoa beans are sailed all the way to Amsterdam at wind power for 4-6 months on board the legendary Tres Hombres. In Amsterdam, by the way, the cocoa beans are further processed on solar energy. Cocoa does not grow in Europe, so transport by container ship always has a real CO2 footprint. Because of the location of the Dominican Republic and the heroes of the Tres Hombres crew, we can produce the most sustainable chocolate, emission free. 

    Every bite increases the impact: shop the Dom.Rep. bars here.

    As you can see, each region has its own needs and circumstances. And in every region, in addition to the impact on nature and the climate, we also take care of the people and that they earn a living. But what applies in all cocoa-growing regions is that preserving the rainforest and combating deforestation must be given the highest priority.

    The discussion about a fair price for cocoa farmers continues. Something that pleases us.

    Following the reaction of frank&fair to our criticism of Fairtrade's "fair price" in the Parole past week, the newspaper today posts the explanation of our statement. (Earlier this week also on our website read). Fairtrade Netherlands also made themselves heard and came out with an extensive article to support their position around a fair price.

    In it, they too affirm that the minimum price absolutely must be raised to a Living Income for cocoa farmers. Fortunately, we are in full agreement on that. The step to get there is not an easy one for Fairtrade. But to get there as soon as possible, we are certainly happy to think along with them! When it comes to sharing our experiences on establishing and implementing a Living Income, Fairtrade can absolutely count on us. And, of course, we'll keep you posted.

    Happy Easter! Hopefully with an honest Easter egg included.

     

    Last week there was a beautiful piece about our bean-to-bar chocolate factory in the Parole. A piece with critical statements that quickly triggered discussion about the approach of Fairtrade loosened up discussion. And that is a good thing!

    The response 'Criticism of Fairtrade label a misunderstanding' correctly notes that Fairtrade is more than just a premium. That it is a movement that works hard to improve the situation for local producers in multiple ways. Therefore, it is not our intention to suggest otherwise, because we all agree that things must and can be better in the cocoa chain.

    But critical of the Fairtrade price & premiumWe are, however. Below we will gladly explain why.

    Fairtrade minimum price
    In 1994 it was Fairtrade model started for cocoa and chocolate. Fairtrade operates on the core principle of paying a "fair" (fair) price for commodities. At that time, in 1994, the minimum price was set at $1800 per 1000 kg (1 MT) of cocoa. In addition, a premium of $200 is paid which remains intact when the world market price exceeds the Fairtrade minimum price. In 2012, this minimum price was raised to $2000 per 1000 kg of cocoa and the premium is $200.

    At the time of its establishment, the Fairtrade cocoa programme the price of $1800/MT was perhaps a fair price. In the meantime, 23 years have passed. A price increase from $1800 to a minimum of $2000 in this period is not in proportion to the reality in producing countries. Indeed, inflation in these countries is robust.

    If we were to apply an average annual price adjustment of 2.5% per year (to the minimum price set in 1994), the minimum price would currently be $3200/MT. Therefore, our conclusion is that the cocoa price in real terms has actually only gone down and therefore the Fairtrade minimum price in real terms has also only gone down. With serious consequences (child labor, soil depletion, etc.).

    What is a fair price?
    Our question is to what extent the current minimum price for Fairtrade cocoa is a "fair" price. One would expect that a fair price would ensure that a cocoa farmer is able to provide for his primary livelihood (i.e. food, shelter, schooling and some plantation maintenance). Unfortunately, reality is still very far from this.

    Such an approach that seeks to ensure this exists. It is called "Living Income" (the name says it all). It is described in the Cocoa Barometer 2015. We would argue that the Fairtrade minimum price should guarantee a Living Income for the farmers who participate in the system.

    We try to apply this principle in our cooperation with the farmers and are very willing to share our observations and experience. In the end, we all strive for a chocolate sector that is happy for everyone, including the farmers!