Just in time for Christmas, Cadbury will no longer be using the Fairtrade stamp of approval. They will instead use their own sustainability program, Cocoa Life. The Fairtrade logo is awarded to products that meet strict criteria. The logo will now be found on the back of the products with the understanding that Fairtrade will continue to monitor the company’s work.
Obviously, the decision has been received with criticism from many in the industry:
“We are shocked by this move. It feels like a classic Cadbury’s fudge because they will have dropped Fairtrade ingredients but hope to get the Fairtrade logo on their bars of chocolate. This action will confuse the consumer and many now believe this may put the Fairtrade scheme at risk.” David Marshall, the founder of The Meaningful Chocolate Company, a small British Fairtrade-only producer, told The Daily Telegraph.”
There is also fear that the Fairtrade mark could be threatened by less transparent companies.
More from the article:
“Under existing Fairtrade rules, companies are made to pay cocoa farmers at least $2,000 (£1,600) per tonne of cocoa. Such a rule does not exist under the Cocoa Life programme, although Cadbury’s agreement with Fairtrade to keep the logo on the back of their chocolate bars demands that farmers should not be worse off under the new scheme.”
We shall see.
A spokesperson claims that partnership with Cocoa Life will ensure a competitive price for farmers with clear terms of trade and loyalty payments. They insist that the value will be, at least, equivalent to what they had. That begs the question, “Why fix it if it’s not broken?”
While we can assume much, we know little. If that changes we will update you.
Source: The Independent
