This is not a new problem. Laws were implemented 8 years ago to eradicate the child labour issues. The official working age of the majority of the countries in West Africa is 18. However, it is very common to see children as young as 6 cutting cocoa beans in their hands with machetes.

Poverty is the principle factor that creates an environment conducive to child labour. A combination of civil wars, new governments, corruption and declining cocoa prices all have had an impact on the farmers and industry. Because farmers cannot get a just price for their goods, they cannot pay a just price for labour.

Exporters and manufacturers have the greatest impact on the industry; they control the farm gate price. This essentially means, they decide the value of cocoa after it leaves the farmer and the distributor establishes the market with the ability to impose better pricing.

Cadbury Dairy Milk is quickly trying to become one distributor willing to change the way they purchase and distribute cocoa. They are the first major brand to attain Fair Trade Certification and as a result they will triple the sales of Fair Trade cocoa in Ghana.

From a North American perspective we may not initially realize the huge impact this could have within the cocoa industry. It marks the beginning of a new way of corporate thinking: people before profit.

Divine Intervention

Divine Chocolate is another company with a sweet story. Established in the UK as a partnership between Twin Trading and Kuapa Kokoo farmers in Ghana, they have created a unique trading system. Farmers in Ghana own the majority stake in the company, Divine Chocolate, and share its profits.

Divine Chocolate it has been voted Observer Best Ethical Business in 2008, and Best Social Enterprise in 2007. As well as voted Favourite Fairtrade Product by Good Housekeeping in 2008.

Trick or Treats

For more information about Fair Trade Chocolate, and companies making a difference check out these links:

• 100% Fair Trade Companies
• The Fair Trade Foundation
• Stop Chocolate Slavery
• Cadbury Fairtrade