LIDL’S ‘WAY TO GO!’ CHOCOLATE GOES FAIRTRADE AND BEYOND

Long-time Global Fairtrade partner, Lidl just launched its ‘Way to Go!’ chocolate bars which guarantees cocoa farmers in Ghana the Fairtrade Minimum Price for cocoa, and The Fairtrade Premium.

They go beyond and pay an extra sum of money for every tonne of cocoa they buy so that the farmers can invest in their farms and communities.

‘Way to Go!’ chocolate bars are the first private-label bars in the UK to contain 100% traceable cocoa grown by farmers from the Kuapa Kokoo co-operative in Ghana.

There are 3 flavours to offer; Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate or Caramelised Almonds & Sea Salt at £1.99 each.

Fairtrades mission is to achieve a fair living income for the farmers. Cocoa farmers in West Africa, where two-thirds of the world’s supply is sourced, are often living on less than $2 per day and face issues of poverty, child labour, the effects of climate change and living with limited infrastructure.

Fairtrade International’s standards and auditing process adds a cost unfortunately, but still helps ensure cocoa farmers receive fair incomes and working conditions. Achieving a ‘Living Income’ as officially defined in each country, is a critical step in fighting these issues. 

Along with Lidl’s recent financial commitment to provide support, as previously reported, Ben & Jerry’s went beyond with their support and will be paying $800,000 (£606,000) over the next year, on top of the Fairtrade premium price it already pays for cocoa farmers.

This amount is on top of the annual Fairtrade Premium of around $970,000, and the Ivorian government’s minimum price for cocoa that all companies are required to pay.

Global brands are showing it is possible to use the networks and capabilities of an existing sustainability partner such as Fairtrade to deepen impact for cocoa farmers.

There has been a lot of negative activity lately with chocolate companies unwilling to pay the premium for cocoa if they can avoid it. Yet it is that premium which is critical for helping farmers move out of poverty – something the chocolate companies all say they want.

More companies should follow Lidl and Ben & Jerry’s lead and create a more sustainable future for cocoa.