The Dark Side Of Chocolate

In his investigative piece titled “Chocolate,” John Oliver sheds light on a topic that juxtaposes the world’s adoration of chocolate with its deeply troubling production realities. Chocolate, a universal symbol of indulgence and pleasure, is a staple in everything from luxury desserts to everyday snacks, and it is celebrated globally for the joy it brings to people of all ages. Its appeal is so widespread that it has become integral not only to culinary delights but also to cultural and festive celebrations around the world.

However, Oliver’s exposé reveals a stark contrast to this sweet narrative, unveiling the less-known, darker aspects of the chocolate industry. Central to this is the rampant use of child labor and the exploitation prevalent in cocoa farming, particularly in West African countries like Ivory Coast and Ghana, which are the epicenters of global cocoa production. Despite the enormous profitability of the chocolate industry, the farmers who grow cocoa, the very heart of chocolate, often live in abject poverty and face severe exploitation. This introduction sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the harsh realities that underpin our beloved chocolate, challenging us to confront the ethical dilemmas it presents.

The Economic Disparity in the Chocolate Industry

The global chocolate industry, valued at approximately $140 billion, stands as a testament to the world’s unwavering love for this sweet treat. Yet, beneath its rich façade lies a stark economic disparity that tilts heavily in favor of chocolate companies, leaving cocoa farmers in dire straits.

In West African nations like Ivory Coast and Ghana, which together account for over 60% of the world’s cocoa production, the majority of cocoa farmers grapple with severe economic challenges. Despite their crucial role in the supply chain, these farmers see only a fraction of the industry’s immense profits. It’s estimated that a mere 6% of the value generated by the chocolate industry makes its way back to the farmers who cultivate cocoa. This imbalance is a glaring indication of how the benefits of this lucrative industry are not equitably distributed.

The economic plight of cocoa farmers in these regions is further compounded by the fact that many live below the World Bank’s extreme poverty line. Between 73 and 90 percent of cocoa farmers do not earn a living income, highlighting a grim reality where those responsible for growing the primary ingredient in chocolate struggle to meet even their basic needs.

Perhaps the most poignant reflection of this disparity is that the vast majority of these farmers have never tasted chocolate, the very product their livelihoods are built upon. This paradox is not just an economic issue but also a social one, drawing a clear line between those who produce chocolate and those who consume it.

The Failures of Self-Monitoring and Certification in the Chocolate Industry

The chocolate industry’s approach to tackling child labor through self-monitoring and third-party certification has been marked by significant shortcomings. Despite efforts and claims by chocolate companies to monitor and regulate their supply chains, journalistic investigations have repeatedly exposed the persistence of child labor and exploitation in cocoa farming.

One glaring example of the failure of self-monitoring is evident in the case of Mondelez International, the maker of Cadbury chocolates. Mondelez’s Cocoa Life program, which claims to promote sustainability and better working conditions, was put to the test by journalists. A simple visit to a farm listed on the Cocoa Life website in Ghana revealed the presence of child labor, with children as young as 10 and 11 found harvesting cocoa pods. This incident starkly contradicts the company’s claims of child labor being “completely unacceptable” in their supply chain.

Similarly, the effectiveness of third-party certifications like Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, and UTZ has also been called into question. While these organizations aim to ensure ethical practices in cocoa production, including the prohibition of child labor, their impact has been limited. The premiums paid to farmers for meeting certification standards often do not cover the cost of compliance with these programs. Furthermore, audits conducted by these organizations are typically announced in advance, significantly reducing their effectiveness. Undercover investigations revealed that auditors rarely find child labor during their inspections because the farms are forewarned, allowing them to temporarily conceal such practices.

For instance, an undercover operation revealed that an auditor for UTZ (now part of Rainforest Alliance) openly admitted that farms are aware of audits beforehand, and therefore, the chances of encountering child labor during these visits are slim. This practice of pre-announced audits undermines the credibility of the certification process and casts doubt on the integrity of the certifications that many consumers rely on as a marker of ethical production.

The Persistence of Child Labor and Environmental Impact in Cocoa Farming

The persistence of child labor in the cocoa farming industry, particularly in West African countries, remains a deeply concerning issue. Despite various initiatives and promises by chocolate companies and certification bodies, the practice of employing underage workers in cocoa farms continues, often under hazardous conditions.

Instances of trafficking and forced labor are not uncommon in this sector. Journalistic investigations have revealed that children, some as young as ten, are often found working on cocoa farms, engaged in dangerous tasks such as using sharp tools to harvest cocoa pods. These children are frequently subjected to long hours of labor without adequate protective gear, posing significant risks to their health and safety.

A survey estimated that over a four-year period, more than 1.5 million children were engaged in hazardous work in cocoa production in Ivory Coast and Ghana. These children are often involved in tasks like carrying heavy loads, using machetes, and being exposed to harmful pesticides.

Moreover, the chocolate industry’s demand for cocoa has also led to severe environmental repercussions. In a bid to increase their earnings, some farmers resort to illegal cocoa farming on government-protected lands. This practice contributes to significant environmental damage, including deforestation and the creation of “skeleton forests” – areas where the original flora and fauna have been decimated.

The environmental impact extends beyond the loss of biodiversity. The destruction of forests contributes to climate change and disrupts the ecological balance, affecting not only the immediate area but also having wider global implications.

The Ineffectiveness of Industry Promises and Protocols

The chocolate industry’s track record in addressing child labor through various promises and protocols has been marked by a series of failures and unfulfilled commitments. The most notable of these is the Harkin-Engel Protocol, an agreement made by major chocolate companies to eliminate the worst forms of child labor in their supply chains.

Initiated in the early 2000s, following public outcry over reports of child slavery and trafficking in cocoa farms, the Harkin-Engel Protocol was a voluntary pledge by the industry to eradicate such practices. The initial deadline set for achieving this goal was July 2005. However, as the deadline approached, it became clear that the objectives were far from being met. The industry then extended the deadline to 2008, and later to 2010. Despite these extensions, the goal continued to remain elusive.

By 2020, the industry’s target was further downgraded from eliminating to simply reducing the worst forms of child labor. Yet, even this diminished goal was not achieved. The consistent failure to meet these deadlines and the subsequent lowering of targets reveal a lack of genuine commitment and effective action from the chocolate industry.

The Harkin-Engel Protocol’s ineffectiveness is indicative of a broader pattern within the industry – a tendency to make grand promises regarding ethical practices, without substantial follow-through. This pattern raises serious questions about the industry’s willingness to invest the necessary resources and efforts to tackle the issue of child labor meaningfully.

Potential Solutions and Ethical Alternatives in the Chocolate Industry

In response to the persistent issues of child labor and exploitation in the chocolate industry, there are emerging models and potential solutions that offer a more ethical approach to cocoa production. One notable example is Tony’s Chocolonely, a Dutch chocolate company that has actively worked to establish an ethical supply chain free from child labor and slavery.

Tony’s Chocolonely operates on a principle of direct trade with cocoa farmers, ensuring that they are paid a living income. This approach involves calculating the gap between the government-set price for cocoa and the price that would constitute a living income for the farmers. Tony’s then pays this gap as an additional premium, which in some cases has meant paying almost double the standard market price for cocoa beans. This model demonstrates that paying farmers fairly is not only feasible but also crucial for addressing the root cause of child labor – poverty.

The success of Tony’s Chocolonely highlights that ethical chocolate production is achievable and can be profitable. It also underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the supply chain. However, while individual company efforts are commendable, broader systemic change is necessary to address the industry-wide issues.

This leads to the discussion of the need for stringent legislation to hold chocolate companies accountable. Voluntary protocols and self-regulation have proven insufficient, as evidenced by the failure of initiatives like the Harkin-Engel Protocol. Effective legislation would require companies to practice due diligence in their supply chains, ensuring that cocoa is sourced ethically and without exploitation. Such laws would need to be enforceable with consequences for non-compliance, ensuring that companies invest the necessary resources and efforts to eradicate child labor and pay farmers a living wage.

Addressing the Dark Side of Chocolate Production

The journey through the realities of chocolate production has laid bare a landscape marked by economic disparity, failed promises, persistent child labor, environmental harm, and the inadequacy of industry-led initiatives. It is clear that the chocolate that brings joy and pleasure to so many is, for others, a source of hardship and exploitation.

Acknowledging these harsh realities is a crucial first step. As consumers, we hold significant power in influencing industry practices. By becoming more aware of where and how our chocolate is sourced, we can start to advocate for change. This involves supporting companies that prioritize ethical practices and demanding greater transparency and accountability from all players in the chocolate industry.

The need for stringent legislation cannot be overstated. Effective laws and regulations are essential to ensure that chocolate companies adhere to ethical sourcing and fair labor practices. Such legislation would not only protect the rights and well-being of cocoa farmers but also work towards eradicating the use of child labor in cocoa farming.

Envisioning a future where the enjoyment of chocolate is not tainted by ethical dilemmas and exploitation is not just idealistic—it’s necessary. As consumers, we can drive this change through our choices and voices, supporting a shift towards a more responsible and sustainable chocolate industry. In doing so, we can help ensure that the pleasure chocolate brings to our lives does not come at the cost of others’ welfare and dignity.

Now for the infamous John Oliver and his research team that inspired this article.