Why Buy Fair Trade This World Chocolate Day?

July 7, 2026

The Truth Of Chocolate

Chocolate is a well-loved commodity, with Americans alone eating about 2.5 billion pounds a year. That's a lot of chocolate, so where is it coming from and how is it getting here?

Chocolate comes from cocoa, which is grown by farmers, but only a small percentage of them are being paid a fair wage and treated with respect. According to the Bureau of International Labor Affairs, "60% of the global cocoa supply comes from Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, where more than 1.5 million children work on cocoa farms."

Forced labor and child labor run rampant in conventional chocolate production. Something fair trade chocolate companies aim to put a stop to. The problem is 95% of chocolate is still produced the conventional way.

The Need For Fair Trade Chocolate

There is no forced labor or child labor in the production of fair trade chocolate. Farmer co-ops work together, are paid fairly, and invest back into their communities. They use sustainable farming methods that work with the environment, not against it. Fair trade chocolate isn't just a good thing; it's necessary.

According to Equal Exchange, "Farmers are at the mercy of a market that is driven by supply and demand rather than the cost of production and the need to make a living."

Many factors affected chocolate production in recent years, such as poor climate conditions, scarce cocoa availability, and unexpected tariffs. One thing stays constant. The price of the crop is unstable. Even when the price of chocolate is high, farmers still struggle to get their fair pay. Without a fixed minimum they must receive, they are at the mercy of the market.

Make The Right Choice

Every time you buy fair trade chocolate, you support a sustainable system for both farmers and the planet. You take a stand against child labor and unethical practices in chocolate production. Ready to taste real chocolate and support fair pay for farmers? Visit your nearest Latitudes Fair Trade and taste the difference today.