Fair Trade Chocolate Makes its Mark

Chocolate not only looks enticing and tastes great but it can also do good things. As customers become more aware of the good that chocolate can do, chocolate suppliers and retailers are battling to fill shelves with more and more scrumptious chocolate treats that offer that something a little bit more.

The Chocolate Market

The confectionery market is competitive, and while chocolate tastes great this is no longer the only thing customers are looking for. Chocolate suppliers might notice that their customers are looking past the glossy packaging and the delicious taste and want to know the story behind the product and that the chocolate was made by a company with a strong ethical code of practice. Many chocolate wholesalers now support manufacturers that contribute to making a difference around the world in countries where cocoa is grown. It is the workers in these countries who have been dealt a raw deal in the past but now, thanks to chocolate and its new mission, the fair trade concept is winning the battle.

Introducing Divine

This reputable company, based in London is forty-four percent owned by a cacao grower cooperative. This has broken boundaries in terms of the ‘fair trade’ concept and Divine is leading the way among chocolate suppliers and manufacturers with their part ownership philosophy. Their strong mission focuses on developing relationships between consumers and producers that are both honourable and powerful. Recently Divine earned two awards in the industry, as well as the Guardian Sustainable Business Award for Social Impact Innovation. They also laid claim to producing the UK’s favourite fair trade product in the guise of their milk chocolate, toffee and sea salt bars.

Introducing Booja Booja

Booja Booja, the highly acclaimed vegan chocolate manufacturer, famous for its luxurious vegan truffles, is also making a big push to boost its fair trade reputation. With annual donations of 5% of its profits to two charities, the company is making positive motions. Flora and Fauna International and Total Ensemble Theatre Company were the lucky recipients this year of Booja Booja’s contribution.

The Influence of the Web

There is no doubt that in this high tech, media driven age it is much easier to stay in touch with what is happening on the other side of the world. People are more in tune with social and environmental issues and are more aware of the need to buy from fair traders as well as from ethical manufacturers. The Internet is being used to the advantage of chocolate suppliers who market to the consumer who spends a significant amount of time online.

So, chocolate now has a mission and more and more customers are acknowledging that mission and getting involved. Chocolate lovers are beginning to see that there is more than great taste to attractive chocolate and chocolate suppliers are actively encouraging retailers to fill their shelves with products that are making a positive statement both environmentally and socially.

Angelina Moufftard works for HF Chocolates, Chocolate suppliers to the retail trade and others who wish to purchase wholesale quantities. Renowned since 1957, we've sourced the best suppliers from France, Spain, Germany, Holland, Belgium, the USA and UK. Our great tasting and beautifully packaged products also represent excellent value for money.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.