As Fairtrade Fortnight 2024 kicks off across Aotearoa and Australia, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on our unique Fairtrade journey. Since joining the Fairtrade movement in 2013, Bennetto has been dedicated to creating a more sustainable and ethical cocoa supply chain. Last year alone, we sourced ingredients from nine Fairtrade producer organisations and contributed over $46,687 NZD in Fairtrade Premium. This premium directly supports farmers and their communities by funding projects that improve their livelihoods and working conditions. But for us, it’s about more than just paying a premium—it’s about being part of a movement for change.

What does Fairtrade mean?

You might have come across terms like “fair trade,” “fairly traded,” or “ethical,” and wondered what the difference is. “fair trade” is a general term that can be used by any company but it’s not regulated. Any company could claim its products are ‘fair trade’ without any third-party verification. Fairtrade (one word) is a globally recognised system with strict standards. When you see the blue and green Fairtrade Mark on Bennetto Chocolate products, it means that we meet rigorous social, environmental, and economic criteria, independently certified by FLOCERT. This guarantees that our chocolate supports farmers and workers fairly, empowering them to invest in their future.

Tackling child labour in cocoa supply chains

One of the biggest issues in the global cocoa industry is child labour, with approximately 1.5 million children working on plantations in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana alone. Poverty is a key driver of this problem, and while no certification system can entirely eliminate child labour, Fairtrade is working to make a difference. Fairtrade’s Child Labour and Forced Labour Prevention and Remediation Programme, launched in 2023, works directly with small-scale producer organisations in cocoa communities. These initiatives focus on everything from refurbishing schools to providing transportation for children so they can attend classes. By partnering with Fairtrade, Bennetto supports these vital projects that go beyond the Fairtrade Premium, tackling the systemic issues behind child labour and advocating for children’s rights.

More than just a label

Choosing Fairtrade is about much more than just buying a product. It’s about supporting a system that empowers farmers and workers, creates better living standards, and promotes environmental sustainability. Bennetto Chocolate’s partnership with Fairtrade shows how ethical businesses can have a positive impact, and Fairtrade Fortnight is the perfect time to celebrate that.

By choosing Bennetto, you’re not just enjoying delicious, ethically sourced chocolate—you’re helping build a fairer world for everyone.