Hey, Chocolate lovers did you know about 70% of the worlds cocoa beans are grown in West Africa? Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire are major sources of the commodity. Unfortunately, the farmers haven’t always been treated respectfully or paid a living wage.
Fairtrade is a non-profit dedicated to certifying products for equitable business practices. They started certifying cocoa in 1994. Fairtrade is a global network of more than 2 million farmers and workers. When consumers purchase Fairtrade labeled products, they support cocoa farmers who are paid responsible wages for their hard work.
Tony’s Chocolonely is a global chocolate company committed to Fairtrade. They produce world-class, high-quality chocolate.
The name Tony’s Chocolonely came from the founder feeling lonely in his fight against exploitation in the cocoa industry.
Personal interview with Tony’s Chocolonely’s
What is Tony’s Chocolonely’s most popular bars and flavors?
“Our Milk Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt bar made with crunchy, caramel and flakey sea salt is our worldwide best-seller. The other flavors that make up what we call our “core four” include our classic Milk Chocolate, Everything bar, and Dark Chocolate Almond Sea Salt.”
Is Tony’s Chocolonely going to continue with DEI?
“Tony’s Chocolonely is committed to making the world more equitable, and DEI is a core priority for its business, strategy, and employees. As a social impact company that makes chocolate (not the other way around) social causes and, by extension DEI, will always be at the heart of what we do.”
“Our mission is to end exploitation in the cocoa industry, and we know the root cause of exploitation is the poverty that is caused by unequal wealth distribution. We tell this story right down to the mold of our bar. Every bean that goes into that bar is guaranteed to be sourced according to our 5 Sourcing Principles, which consist of (1) sourcing 100% traceable cocoa beans, (2) paying a higher price for cocoa to enable farmers to earn a living income, (3) promoting strong partner co-operatives to professionalize and make cocoa farming safe and sustainable, (4) engaging in long-term commitments to boost farmers’ income security, (5) training farmers to improve their productivity and cocoa quality.”
“To strengthen this commitment internally, Tony’s formed a global DEI task force with a roadmap to foster an inclusive, diverse workplace where all employees feel welcome and psychologically safe.”
That concludes the interview, it was insightful, and a pleasure. Tony’s Chocolonely is available at Cincy retailers, and online. My favorite flavor is the milk chocolate chip cookie bar. Make sure to fill Easter baskets with these delicious treats.
Cartoon Characters Luna, Lenny, Key-Low-Low and Henry Lee are created by Sterling Haynes.
Black and ethnic cartoon characters promoting a national brand excites me!!
Luna giving him side eye ain’t she.
Oh this is flipping adorable in every way.
Multicultural jewel and we are watching.