While many chocolate brands have taken steps to support cocoa farmers with fair trade practices, Washu Chocolate is taking the cause even further. Instead of simply supporting cocoa farmers, the brand also helps to protect the rainforests from which the cocoa is harvested from and the animals that live there.
Washu Chocolate was originally founded by conservation ecologist Mika Peck out of an effort to protect the spider monkeys and farmers who call the the Chocóan rain forests of northwestern Ecuador their home. To support this cause, Washu Chocolate uses proceeds to help farmers pursue sustainable farming practices that will help to protect Ecuador's spider monkey population. In exchange, farmers are given better prices for their beans so that they can continue to farm sustainably.
The unique business model demonstrates how chocolate brands are looking to not only help protect cocoa farming communities, but also the animals found within those communities.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Rainforest Conservation
- Brands can explore innovative ways to support rainforest conservation efforts while also supporting farmers and preserving wildlife populations.
- Sustainable Farming
- There is an opportunity for brands to promote and support sustainable farming practices that benefit both the environment and the farming communities.
- Ethical Supply Chains
- Companies can differentiate themselves by creating transparent and ethical supply chains to support the communities and environments from which they source their raw materials.
Where This Applies
- Chocolate
- Brands in the chocolate industry can explore opportunities to support sustainable and ethical farming practices, while also contributing to conservation efforts.
- Agriculture
- Companies within the agriculture industry can explore innovative methods to promote more sustainable and environmentally-friendly farming practices that benefit both farmers and local wildlife populations.
- Eco-tourism
- There is potential for businesses within the eco-tourism industry to partner with conservation-focused organizations to promote sustainable tourism that benefits local communities and wildlife populations.
