The chocolate industry is arguably one of the biggest food group sectors in the world. However, despite the incredible influx of cash generated, certain workers further down the grain that farm for coca are often disregarded and given an amount that is not worthy of their contribution. There are various differences between the normal variety and it will certainly be worthwhile to uncover these to help portray what is currently happening to those workers.
The main aspect of the fair trade model is to ensure all their products are certified with the label that outlines the objectives and aims to make a difference for many 'enslaved' workers. It is a complete change to the current policies that are present within the chocolate industry.
Just to gain a basic overview, the farming of coca usually is welcomed with a bad name, particularly as a result of the people who work the fields are treated as impoverished slaves. That is, the financial returns are barely enough to live on, despite the long, enduring hours. Statistics reveal that up to 40% of cocoa is slave grown. A further negative of the 'normal chocolate' method is that deforestation is rife, stripping hundreds of thousands of acres of rainforest.
In contrast, fair trade chocolate offers a more valuable alternative for these workers by simply offering 'fairer trading' prices. Apart from the human advantages, it represents positives from an environmental and quality perspective.
Usually, to further ensure this quality, the method by which it is grown is a shelter in the form of a canopy. Pesticides therefore are unable to effect any growth, meaning the farmers won't risk any crop failures which would be incredibly detrimental to their welfare.
The mass market chocolate industry is vast, consisting of some of the biggest multinational companies in the world. Changing there stance will be viewed as nearly impossible, however, if they themselves saw the conditions that they are inflicting on their own base workers; surely changes can be made.
The main aspect of the fair trade model is to ensure all their products are certified with the label that outlines the objectives and aims to make a difference for many 'enslaved' workers. It is a complete change to the current policies that are present within the chocolate industry.
Just to gain a basic overview, the farming of coca usually is welcomed with a bad name, particularly as a result of the people who work the fields are treated as impoverished slaves. That is, the financial returns are barely enough to live on, despite the long, enduring hours. Statistics reveal that up to 40% of cocoa is slave grown. A further negative of the 'normal chocolate' method is that deforestation is rife, stripping hundreds of thousands of acres of rainforest.
In contrast, fair trade chocolate offers a more valuable alternative for these workers by simply offering 'fairer trading' prices. Apart from the human advantages, it represents positives from an environmental and quality perspective.
Usually, to further ensure this quality, the method by which it is grown is a shelter in the form of a canopy. Pesticides therefore are unable to effect any growth, meaning the farmers won't risk any crop failures which would be incredibly detrimental to their welfare.
The mass market chocolate industry is vast, consisting of some of the biggest multinational companies in the world. Changing there stance will be viewed as nearly impossible, however, if they themselves saw the conditions that they are inflicting on their own base workers; surely changes can be made.
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Chocolates are always a great idea for a gift! At the end of the day, who doesn't love chocolate truffles?
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