NH: How or when did TCHO realize the issue of child labor when sourcing their beans?

 

LS: TCHO started realizing the first issue of child labor in the early 2000s when studies happened proving child labor existed and where it was. TCHO instantly knew, the Ivory Coast is not where they wanted to source their beans, especially when the government hasn’t done much to solve it and has endured multiple civil wars. Instead we source our beans from Peru, Ecuador, and Ghana. While Ghana is in West Africa and may have some issues dealing with child labor, their country and government is more stable.

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NH: Is it more expensive to source beans than places where child labor does exist?

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LS: TCHO relies on third party certifications. We have a fair trade certification, as well as an organic and quality certification. TCHO pays over the commodity price which gives us a chance to find the best quality beans to use. TCHO has eyes and ears around the world, searching for the best possible farmers to work with, and while it does cost more money, it’s worth it.

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NH: Were/are there companies that TCHO has had to cut off relations with due to the issue of child labor?

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LS: While TCHO hasn’t cut off relations with any companies that I know of, due to the issue of child labor, we make sure to carefully choose the people we want to work with ensuring the best likelihood of success as a business and as individuals. This intricate selection process keeps our company motivated to do what’s right.

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NH: How does TCHO preserve these farmer’s culture while abiding by the law? (Farmers in the Ivory Coast have always had children help them and do not think of this as illegal).

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LS: TCHO makes all the people we work with, and suppliers sign a statement to rule out the use of child labor. This way, in writing TCHO makes sure we work with selfless companies that have the same goal as us. We use use the definition of child labor on the International Labor Organization’s website to determine when child labor is present meaning that children must be in school.

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NH: How does TCHO balance their moral beliefs alongside the success of their business? In other words, how does TCHO overcome a situation that will benefit them but might conflict with the moral decisions?

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LS: Good question. TCHO pays a significant price to source their beans and puts a lot of work to get the best quality of beans possible. With the trustworthy suppliers we work with, it establishes “a win-win situation.” Since we pay more money, the farmers can be successful to produce the best (and moral) beans they can so that TCHO doesn’t let beans go to waste. You might not know but TCHO has created “Flavor Labs” all around the world, (and we building making more) which are tiny factories where farmers can taste their own beans. A surprising fact is that most workers on these farms have never even tasted chocolate! TCHO pays a higher price for this, but this way it ensures better beans so that we don’t have to reject as many beans.