Techniques for Researching Socially Responsible Chocolate
Search by product name - what then?
Search by company - what then?
Search by concern - what then?
Search by ingredient - what then?
Search by corporate tree - find out who owns, ships, or manufactures everything. make nodes for those players.
Chocolate Research Notes
Table of Contents
How to use this document
Please edit, reorganize, and add to what is here. This is intended to be a collaborative document.
We hope to apply the what, how and organization of chocolate research learned here to other products and topics.
General Thoughts After Chocolate Scoutting
- first hand reporting is what most info sites are used to. we're filtered sources. would be nice to find a single metric to compare with.
- usiness of human rights resource center - food categories: certain groupings and then everything else. mustard not a hot button.
- Grey Poupon made by Kraft - member of Dow Jones Sustainability Index.
- focusing on companies. upc database.
- Verbal issues raised at our meeting:
- dimension <-> product multiplicity mapping-- is that a problem?
- there's a difference between analysis that is comparative versus asolute - for example the carbot footprint of a product might either be calculated eventually or simply compared to competitors.
- blommer is biggest producer. never heard of. small uninformative website.
- who makes chocolate? chocolate manufacturers council. their members produce 90% of chocolate in us. articles on page by universities on choc industry, and response by the council. promising?
- chocolate carbon-footprint? few things. uk c-p on choc and toilet paper.
- business and human rights resource center. tracking 4000 companies. links to articles (eg, 250 page on choc).
- global reporting initiative: corporations reports on corporate behavior (unaudited).
- addicts who use chocolate are more likely to kick their addiction - the organization Faith Works is working with that
- corporations getting the info out. but is it reliable? sustainable. did search on domain name finds someone who works for candy lobby thing.
- no experience with research, chocolate. so...
- wikipedia. manufacturing process. linked into nestle: history of boycotts. read pr effort about fair trade instant coffee
General Tips for Research
It can be useful to do a "whois" search to find out who is hosting a website where information is found. Industry propoganda sites must be understood to be such. http://www.internic.net/whois.html is a useful "whois" search.
Categorical Breakdown on Chocolate Scouting
Resources
* the Catholic organization CURE is trying to stop chocolate slavery
- Kantrowit.com/chocolate (kosher information about chocolate products. Includes a listing of products and recipes.)
- the need for TAM is sound. hard to find info quickly
- world watchers site. grad at ucsd done slavery report.
- the Global Witness Report is stating that the Ivory Coast chocolate trade's funds are used to support the government's wars as well as corruption. contacts are Maria Lopez 221-224-46-55 in Afrika and Rosie Sharpe - 44 (0) 20 7561 6393 or 44 (0) 7884 042 254 in the UK.
- www.finechocolateindustry.org is a cooperative chocolate group that is having a symposium in January of 2008 in San Diego. Their concern is mostly on the quality of the product, though they seem to have unverifiable standards that they ask members to abide by.
Alex Nosnik - friend of Zan's who used to work on fair trade chocolate
Wikipedia
australian sustainability library http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/industry/corporate/reporting/index.html
world buisness council for sustainable development http://www.wbcsd.org/templates/TemplateWBCSD5/layout.asp?MenuID=1
global reporting initiative http://www.globalreporting.org/ReportingFramework/G3Online/
global exchange: Fair trade vendor
http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/fairtrade/cocoa/ http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/fairtrade/cocoa/background.html
http://sedac.ciesin.org/es/esi/ESI2005_policysummary.pdf http://sedac.ciesin.org/es/esi/downloads.html http://sedac.ciesin.org/es/esi/
updated version, look at spreadsheet on data page for more detailed breakdown of environmental factors that contribute to enfimonmental sustainability index ( Pilot 2006 Environmental Performance Index Downloadable Files)
http://sedac.ciesin.org/es/epi/downloads.html#data
Searching for socially responsible chocolate in Google does not get you the information that would help a consumer actually make a decision on what to buy.
Worldwatch Institute -- http://www.worldwatch.org/node/1483 Slick little PDF: http://www.worldwatch.org/system/files/GS0007.pdf Their book entitled "Good Stuff" seems like a good starting point for a variety of products. I would trust Worldwatch.
Kristin Mara Branson, graduate student at UCSD has a Stop Chocolate Slavery website. Focus
is on slavery, but she has a table that compares ~40 chocolate bars: http://vision.ucsd.edu/~kbranson/stopchocolateslavery/goodchocolateproducts.html
Issues
Child Labor, Slavery - source: U.S. state department report
http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/fairtrade/cocoa/usStateDept022301.html http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/fairtrade/cocoa/IITACocoaResearch.pdf
Pesticide exposure of workers:
http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/fairtrade/cocoa/background.html
Biotechnology:
Product Cycle (production to burial)
Choclolate is typically made from Cacao, Sugar, sometimes milk ... .
Cocao is grown primarily in West Africa (~3/4), especially in the Ivory Coast (~40% of world's supply)
http://www.worldcocoafoundation.org Addresses relevant issues regarding the harvesting of cocoa and labor conditions on the farms. However, a whois search (http://www.internic.net/whois.html) of the domain name revealed that the registrant used an email with the candyusa.com domain (http://www.candyusa.com/ is the website of the National Confectioners Association, which represents the interests of candy industries).
http://www.cocoatree.org/ Also has relevant information regarding the cocoa farming process. This website, is maintained by the Chocolate Manufacturer's Association (http://www.chocolateusa.org).
Ostensibly these sites provide a wealth of information in respects to cocoa harvesting, yet they are run by organizations that represent the businesses and not the farmers. The information on those sites (and most internet sources for that matter) should be taken with a grain of salt until facts can be verified by other means.
Certification Programs
Fair Trade chocolate and cocoa products are marked with the "Fair Trade Certified" and Fair Trade Federation labels. Fair Trade is an international monitoring and certification system that guarantees a minimum price under direct contracts, prohibits abusive child labor, and promoted environmental sustainability. The Fair Trade system guarantees that farmers receive a "floor price" of at least $.80/pound for non-organic cocoa and $0.89/pound for organic cocoa.
http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/fairtrade/cocoa/background.html
Players
Cargill - major originator and processor of cocao beans (source: their website). They claim to have many sustainablity programs: http://www.cargill.com/news/issues/cocoa_overview.htm
Blommer: biggest cocao processer in north america
: US cholocate manufacture's industry council
Major Producers of Cocao: West Africa: produces ~3/4 of world's cocoa (source: cargill) Ivory Coast: procues ~40% of world's cocao. (source: cargill) Vietnam: pushing cocao production to diversify crops (source: cargill) Indonesia: world's 3rd largest producer (source: cargill) Brazil.
Divine Chocolate: Fairtrade chocolate company co-owned by the cocoa farmers cooperative Kuapa Kokoo; partnered with Starbucks in order to keep own label-range in stores.
Taza Chocolate: Stone ground; chocolate grown on small farms throughout Costa Rica, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
Actors
http://www.chocolateusa.org/index.asp
90% of chocolate processed in USA
Members:
ADM Cocoa Milwaukee, WI
Barry Callebaut USA, LLC St. Albans, VT
The Blommer Chocolate Company Chicago, IL
Cargill Cocoa and Chocolate Lititz, PA
Guittard Chocolate Company Burlingame, CA
The Hershey Company Hershey, PA
Mars, Snackfood US, LLC McLean?, VA
Nestle Chocolate & Confections Glendale, CA
World's Finest Choc
http://www.worldcocoafoundation.org/
"Industry remains committed to driving meaningful, positive change in the cocoa growing regions of West Africa -- bringing improved incomes, strengthened communities, improved access to vocational education and farming assistance to thousands of small farming families." - Lynn Bragg, President of the Chocolate Manufacturers Association More Information: http://www.worldcocoafoundation.org/commitments/ghana.asp
Industry Report on Responsible Cocoa Growing Prepared for a Study by Tulane University
The attached report provides an overview of the chocolate and cocoa industry’s work to support sustainable, responsible cocoa farming in West Africa – a large region where two million farms produce 70 percent of the world’s cocoa.
Originally prepared for a study being undertaken by Tulane University, on behalf of the U.S. Department of Labor, the report covers three areas: 1. The industry-wide effort to create a better life for children and adults in West African cocoa farming communities
2. Individual company programs that, in addition to industry-sponsored initiatives, are making a difference in West African cocoa farming communities
3. “Certification” for cocoa farming, an ongoing process that will drive positive change in cocoa farming communities – with a focus on responsible labor Read the industry report on responsible cocoa growing prepared for a study by Tulane University: http://www.chocolateusa.org/pdfs/FINAL-Tulane-Report-August-8-2007.pdf
The International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Sustainable Tree Crops Program (STCP) have developed a new, innovative program using video training to help West African women cocoa farmers. Read More: http://www.chocolateusa.org/News%2Dand%2DInitiatives/clubs_cocoa_women.asp
Statistical Information:
Economic Profile of the US Chocolate Industry Four hundred companies, all members of the Chocolate Manufacturers Association and the National Confectioners Association, manufacture more than 90% of the chocolate and confectionery products in the United States. Another 250 companies supply those manufacturers. The industry is represented in 35 states with particular manufacturing concentration in Pennsylvania, California, New Jersey, Illinois, New York, Wisconsin, Texas, Virginia, and Ohio. Approximately 65,000 jobs in the U.S. are directly involved in the manufacture of chocolate and confectionery products. When the distribution and sale of these products are taken into consideration, the beneficial effect for U.S. employment triples. U.S. Chocolate Manufacturers generate nearly three times the sales revenue and have double the employment of the Internet Publishing Industry. Chocolate Manufacturers employ a workforce that is two-thirds the size of employment in Domestic Oil and Gas Extraction. Supporting the Domestic Economy: The U.S. chocolate industry is a principal consumer of U.S. agricultural commodities: Sugar….2.4 billion pounds annually or 7 million pounds a day. Chocolate and confectionery manufacturers are one of the largest consumers of sugar in the United States, and one of the largest consumers of domestic sugar. The value of sugar consumed in chocolate and confectionery manufacture is $663 million annually. Milk and Milk Products….1.1 billion pounds annually or 3 million pounds per day. The value of dairy products consumed by chocolate and confectionery manufacturers last year was $518 million. Peanuts…328 million pounds of peanuts are consumed annually worth over $155 million. The chocolate and confectionery industry is a major consumer of U.S.- produced peanuts. Almonds…. 54 million pounds of almonds annually valued at $105 million are utilized in the manufacture of chocolate and confectionery products. Sweeteners….1.4 billion pounds of corn syrup sweeteners are consumed annually by chocolate and confectionary manufacturers, valued at over $172 million. A Vital Part of the Supply Chain: The chocolate industry is an integral supplier of inputs to U.S. food manufacturers: Cookie and Cracker Manufacturers consume $167 million dollars worth of chocolate products annually, valued at $192 million. Nearly 100 million pounds of chocolate products are consumed annually by manufacturers of Frozen Cakes, Pies, and other Pastries, valued at over $53 million. Ice Cream and Frozen Desert Manufacturers consumed 134.1 million pounds of chocolate products in 2002, valued at over $100 million. Commercial Bakeries consumed 68 million pounds of chocolate products in 2002, valued at nearly $66 million. Over 80 million pounds of chocolate valued at $79 million were consumed by Dry, Condensed and Evaporated Dairy and Manufacturers of Liquid Milk Products in 2002. Stimulating International Trade: In 2005 the U.S. chocolate industry consumed $1.4 billion of cocoa and cocoa products. For every dollar of cocoa imported, between one and two dollars of domestic agricultural products are used in the manufacture of chocolate products. Cocoa, which is not grown in the U.S., must be imported. In 2005 manufacturers imported over $870 million of cocoa beans, which were then processed in the United States. An additional $670 million in processed cocoa material such as paste, butter, and powder was also imported. Imports of bulk chocolate preparations totaled $470 million. The industry actively supports economic development in Africa, with 58% of the total U.S. imports of cocoa beans originating from Cote d’Ivoire in 2005. Cote d’Ivoire supplies more than 38% of the world’s cocoa and derives 40% of its total export revenues from cocoa exports. For more information regarding the industry’s commitment to West African cocoa farmers please see, www.worldcocoa.org In 2005 the industry exported more than $711 million in chocolate products to more than 160 countries around the world.
http://www.worldcocoafoundation.org/
http://www.blommer.com/whats-new.html (not much info on site of largest US cocoa processor) BLOMMER CHOCOLATE ANNOUNCES MILESTONES IN SUSTAINABLE FARMING EFFORTS IN INDONESIA Cocoa Farmer Field School Program (SAFOB) Increases Nearly Tenfold ; New USAID Parallel Program Will Double http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2007/sep/19/uknews.carbonfootprints Chocolate bars and toilet paper to get carbon footprint label http://candyaddict.com/press_releases/2007/08/01/carbon-footprint-reduction-one-chocolate-bar-at-a-time/ Carbon Footprint Reduction, One Chocolate Bar at a Time 11:02 pm by Candy Press Releases in Candy Press Releases : http://candyaddict.com/press_releases/category/candy-press-releases/ Terra Nostra Organic is Green-e and an Environmentally Friendly Kind of Bar
[PDF] full report: "Promoting International Worker Rights through Private Voluntary Initiatives: Public Relations or Public Policy?" - A Report to the U.S. Dept. of State Author: Elliot J. Schrage, commissioned by University of Iowa Center for Human Rights (UICHR) Dated: Jan. 2004 [refers to soccer ball companies Adidas, Brine, Franklin, Mitre, Mizuno, Moltex Sporting Goods, Nike, Reebok, Saga Sports, Umbro; coffee industry companies Kraft (part of Altria), Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, Sara Lee, Starbucks; toy-related companies Hasbro, McDonald?'s, Mattel, Toys R Us, Wal-Mart, Walt Disney; chocolate/cocoa industry companies Archer Daniels Midland, Barry Callebaut, Blommer, Cadbury Schweppes, Cargill, Confections USA, Guittard, Hershey, Mars, Nestlé, World's Finest Chocolate]
http://www.globalreporting.org/AboutGRI/ Our main work The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has pioneered the development of the world’s most widely used sustainability reporting framework and is committed to its continuous improvement and application worldwide. This framework sets out the principles and indicators that organizations can use to measure and report their economic, environmental, and social performance.
source: Global Exchange http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/fairtrade/cocoa/retailers.html
Chocolate and Cocoa
Global Exchange Fair Trade Stores.GX offers a wide variety of fair trade chocolate.
Dean's Beans Hot cocoa and baking cocoa. 100% organic and kosher. Source: El Ceibo, Costa Rica. Bulk available.
Divine Chocolate available through SERRV. Source: Kuapa Kokoo, Ghana, which is also part owner of the Divine. Photography book about Kuapa Kokoo available from SERRV or GX 's Fair Trade stores.
Equal Exchange Chocolate bars (milk, dark w/ almonds and very dark), hot cocoa and baking cocoa (with alkali). 100% organic, Fair Trade sugar, milk from the Organic Valley Co-op. Source: CONACADO, Dominican Republic.
Ithaca Fine Chocolates. "Art Bars." 100% organic. Source: El Ceibo, Bolivia. 10% of profits donated to arts education programs.
Sojourn. Hot cocoa mixes. 100% organic and kosher. Private label available.
La Siembra/Cocoa Camino. 100% organic with Fair Trade sugar from a co-op in Paraguay. Source: CONACADO, Dominican Republic.
Sweet Earth Organic Chocolates. World-class chocolate made by American artisans using fairly traded, organic cocoa. Offerings include chocolate bars, dark and milk chocolate chips, and holiday chocolates (Valentine's Day, Halloween, Easter).
Omanhene. Chocolate bars, hot cocoa. Source: Kuapa Kokoo, Ghana. Product made in Ghana. Private label available.
Yachana Gourmet. "Jungle Chocolate" - roasted cacao nibs sweetened with cane juice. Source: Ecuador. Product made in Ecuador.
