Report from Ethical Consumer reveals concerns over child labor and low wages in cocoa production
Leading chocolate brands have come under fire for their “inadequate” ethical standards in their cocoa supply chains. A report from Ethical Consumer has highlighted concerns over child labor and low wages in the cocoa industry. The study found that only a small percentage of brands ensure that cocoa farmers are paid enough to live on, raising questions about the ethics of popular Christmas treats such as Advent calendars and chocolate Santas. With the majority of the world’s cocoa coming from West Africa, where child labor is prevalent, the report calls for greater accountability and transparency in the chocolate industry.
The Impact of Inadequate Ethical Standards
The report from Ethical Consumer reveals that out of the 82 chocolate brands investigated, only 17 were found to use chocolate from suppliers that ensured cocoa farmers were paid a living wage. This raises concerns about the use of child labor in cocoa production, particularly in West Africa, where 60% of the world’s cocoa is sourced. In countries like Ghana and Ivory Coast, where cocoa-growing households heavily rely on child labor, the prevalence of child labor in the industry remains a significant issue.
Recommended Ethical Chocolate Brands
Ethical Consumer recommends brands such as Tony’s Chocolonely, Divine, and Chocolat Madagascar for their commitment to fair trade practices and using chocolate made in the country of origin. These brands pay Fairtrade International or Rainforest Alliance rates or higher, ensuring that cocoa farmers receive fair compensation for their work. By supporting these brands, consumers can contribute to the economic development of cocoa-producing countries rather than European manufacturers.
Poor Ratings for Leading Chocolate Brands
The report rates Mars, Nestlé, and Mondelēz, the parent company of Cadbury, as “brands to avoid” due to their poor ethical standards. The researchers argue that although these companies have sustainability schemes in place, they often only cover a proportion of their cocoa suppliers, leaving many farmers without the benefits of fair compensation. Ferrero, another major chocolate brand, was also rated poorly in the report.
The Role of Consumers in Driving Change
Jasmine Owens, a researcher at Ethical Consumer, emphasizes the power and responsibility of European and UK consumers in influencing the conditions for cocoa farmers in West Africa. Owens argues that by choosing to support ethical brands, consumers can help improve the lives of cocoa farmers and address the inequality in the chocolate industry. While ethical chocolate brands may be more expensive and less readily available, they offer consumers the opportunity to make a positive impact through their purchasing choices.
Addressing the Issue of Child Labor
The prevalence of child labor in cocoa-growing areas is a significant concern. A report by the National Opinion Research Centre at the University of Chicago found that 43% of children in cocoa-growing areas in Ghana and Ivory Coast were engaged in hazardous child labor. Farmer poverty is identified as a contributing factor, as parents often take their children out of school to work on the farms. Efforts to end child labor require collaboration between the cocoa industry, governments in cocoa-producing countries, civil society organizations, and cocoa-consuming countries. This includes ensuring access to quality education and healthcare for children and supporting farmers in diversifying their income sources.
Challenges in Supply Chain Transparency
Tracking the origin of cocoa beans is a challenge for chocolate companies due to the complex nature of the supply chain. Farmers often sell beans to each other, making it difficult to trace the source of the cocoa. The use of DNA technology to trace cocoa beans has been suggested, but there has been limited interest from chocolate companies due to the associated costs. Greater transparency and traceability in the supply chain are crucial in ensuring ethical standards are met.
Conclusion:
The report from Ethical Consumer highlights the need for improved ethical standards in the cocoa supply chains of leading chocolate brands. Concerns over child labor and low wages in cocoa production call for greater accountability and transparency in the industry. By supporting ethical brands that prioritize fair trade practices and living wages for cocoa farmers, consumers can play a significant role in driving positive change. Efforts to address child labor in cocoa-growing areas require collaboration between the cocoa industry, governments, civil society organizations, and cocoa-consuming countries. The challenge of supply chain transparency must also be addressed to ensure that ethical standards are met throughout the chocolate industry.
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