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We can say 'yes' to this. But the answer is more complex than that and very important to know. We hope you will read on because every consumer should understand this better in order to make the right choice in the shop.
A good answer starts with an explanation of the word slave-free. It is a much-used term these days, but what is it all about and when can a company really use it? In the context of chocolate, it is about forced child labour, the modern form of slavery. This is still very common in many parts of the world and it is true that you, as a chocolate producer, have direct influence on this. Remember: there are no guarantees, but child labour, and particularly its worst forms, can be largely eliminated by taking 4 important steps.
1. Owning the chain. Bean-to-bar, when done right, means that the chocolate manufacturer is involved in the process from the moment the bean is harvested from the tree. This is the only way to directly and positively influence the working and living conditions of the farmers. Through careful agreements on working methods, safety and transport. But also: by setting clear rules on age limits for the workers on the plantations. Most chocolate in the shops is purchased from large chocolate producers and only processed further in Europe or America. This makes it almost impossible to trace back the chain and prevent child labour on the plantations. We control the entire chain from tree to bar and maintain personal contact with our farmer cooperatives.
2. Paying a living wage. The main cause of child labour worldwide is poverty. To prevent farmers from putting their children to work, damaging the natural areas where they produce or shortening the time it takes for delicious cocoa to reach its optimum flavour in the country of origin, farmers must be paid better. Better? Yes, they should be paid a living income. There are official barometers for this, to determine these rates per region. We pay our farmers 50% more than the Fairtrade minimum average and thus ensure that they do not have to put their children to work and can maintain better working conditions and hours themselves. We are continuously examining whether our prices in the different regions are still in line with the situation of the world and our farmers.
3. Avoid certain areas.Unfortunately, even a full chain and better income cannot prevent child labour in some countries. The western regions of Africa and in particular the Ivory Coast and Ghana are known for child labour. In fact, this is dangerous child labour. Children between 5 and 17 are used to spray pesticides, which are extremely dangerous chemicals that are very harmful to children. Unfortunately, child labour is still increasing in these areas. We source our cocoa exclusively from Peru, Colombia, Nicaragua and Congo, where we can guarantee that the pesticides are not used, where the political climate protects the children and where we can make good agreements with the farmers and farmers' cooperatives.
4. Bio, bio, bio! Again, this is mainly about dangerous forms of child labour, the spraying of pesticides. This is not allowed on organic products. There are strict guidelines in order to be certified organic. Dangerous pesticides may certainly not be used. This is not only important for the chocolate eater and his body, but especially for the children and farmers in the origin. By buying organic, you not only protect yourself and nature, you also protect the people at the beginning of the chain. Non-organic certified chocolate is one of the greatest dangers for children in the cocoa growing areas. Every cocoa import from all origins is tested at Chocolatemakers in an independent lab for 450 pesticides used worldwide.
Our chocolate is so good because we think about a lot of steps. We want to spoil our customers. But we would like it even better if you enjoy it and pass it on so that everyone can make more conscious choices in the supermarket.