As ethical sourcing becomes a focal point in the chocolate industry, debates arise about the most effective ways to support cocoa farmers. Both Fairtrade certification and fairly trading—direct payments above the market rate—offer different but impactful models for improving farmers’ livelihoods. But fairly trading, where cash is placed directly in the hands of farmers, can sometimes lead to more immediate and flexible benefits.
Fairly Trading vs. Fairtrade: Which is Better for Farmers?
Fairtrade certification ensures a fair price and premium for community projects, while fairly trading allows chocolate companies to pay above the market rate, building direct, transparent relationships with farmers. This model eliminates intermediaries, enabling farmers to receive more immediate income and invest directly in improving their farms and communities. As a chocolatier who has seen the benefits of this, I believe that fairly trading can sometimes offer a faster route to better conditions for farmers, while Fairtrade provides long-term sustainability.
The Importance of Buying Local: Reducing Food Miles with Red Tractor-Certified Sugar
It’s not just about cocoa—ingredients like sugar also play a crucial role in ethical and sustainable production. In the UK, we are almost self-sufficient when it comes to sugar production, thanks to British-grown beet sugar certified by Red Tractor. By buying Red Tractor-certified sugar, we can reduce food miles and further contribute to a more sustainable chocolate industry. Reducing the distance our ingredients travel not only lowers carbon emissions but also supports local agriculture.
Coeur de Xocolat’s Commitment
At Coeur de Xocolat, we are committed to supporting both models—Fairtrade certification and fairly trading—whichever provides the most benefit to the communities we work with. In addition, we prioritise using local ingredients wherever possible, like Red Tractor-certified sugar, to reduce our environmental footprint and support UK farmers. Through these combined efforts, we believe in creating chocolate that is not only of the highest quality but also contributes to a more equitable and sustainable world.
The chocolate industry is evolving, with sustainability and ethical sourcing at its core. Whether it’s through fairly trading, Fairtrade certification, or reducing food miles with local ingredients like Red Tractor sugar, every decision we make has an impact. By focusing on direct payments to farmers and supporting local agriculture, we can build a better future for chocolate-making.
References:
Fairtrade Foundation, “Fairtrade and Cocoa”, accessed 2024.
World Cocoa Foundation, “Direct Trade Models in Cocoa”, accessed 2024.
Red Tractor Assurance, “Sugar Beet Farming in the UK”, accessed 2024.