The journey of chocolate begins long before it reaches the shelf, starting in the hands of cocoa farmers who work in more consistently challenging conditions. For many, cocoa farming is their main source of income, yet fluctuating global prices, climate change, and exploitative practices often mean they struggle to earn enough to cover basic living costs. Without support, this cycle can trap entire communities in poverty and make sustainable farming impossible.
In supply chains without independent certification, the reality can be stark: farmers are often paid well below the cost of production, with no guaranteed minimum price to protect them from market downturns. Payment terms may be delayed, middlemen can take a large share of the profit, and working conditions can be unsafe or exploitative. Without environmental oversight, harmful chemicals may be used, forests cleared, and soils degraded; all of which threaten both livelihoods and ecosystems over time.
Fairtrade exists to change this. It is a global system built to ensure that farmers and workers in developing countries are paid fairly, work under safe and ethical conditions, and have the resources to invest in their futures. Fairtrade guarantees a minimum price for crops, protecting farmers from sudden market crashes. In addition, businesses can choose to pay an additional percentage of profits to provide farmers with a Fairtrade Premium, something that Bennetto prides itself on. This is money that the farmer cooperatives then decide how to spend, often funding community projects such as schools, healthcare clinics, clean water systems, or improved farming equipment.
Fairtrade’s impact goes beyond farming practices. Its standards prohibit harmful chemicals, encourage biodiversity, and train farmers in climate-resilient techniques, such as soil conservation and efficient water management. At Bennetto, our Fairtrade-certified farmers don’t just grow cacao trees; they cultivate thriving forest gardens. By planting timber, fruit, and biomass trees among their cacao, they double the number of trees per acre, diversify their income, and help offset CO₂ emissions generated by chocolate production. The taller trees provide natural shade, keeping cacao plants cool and protecting them from heat stress, while their deep roots improve soil fertility and make farms more drought-resistant. The result is healthier cacao trees producing richer beans, more resilient farms, and chemical-free chocolate that benefits both people and the planet. It’s a beautifully integrated system where every element works together: farmers earn more from diverse crops, nature thrives, and consumers enjoy better-quality chocolate.
By addressing environmental, social, and economic factors together, Fairtrade strengthens the entire chocolate supply chain, making it more ethical, sustainable, and resilient.
For chocolate lovers, choosing Fairtrade products means having the assurance that the chocolate in your hand has supported dignity, sustainability, and fairness at every stage of its journey. And to rest in the comfort that all Fairtrade certified products are subject to continuous 3rd party auditing. It’s a small decision with a ripple effect; one that empowers farming communities and protects the planet for future generations.
At Bennetto Natural Foods, Fairtrade is at the heart of everything we make. All our cocoa is 100% Fairtrade-certified and sourced from farmer cooperatives. This ensures that the chocolate you enjoy not only meets the highest ethical and environmental standards but also supports the people and communities who make it possible. By choosing Bennetto, you’re choosing chocolate that tastes good, feels good, and does good — from bean to bar.
So why not give it a go?
Choose the Mark. Choose Fairtrade.