Sustainability

In our chocolate shop in Tilburg, we use the chocolate from the Swiss chocolate producer Felchlin. By using this chocolate, we support sustainable cocoa farming and pay above-average prices for the cocoa beans.

As a result, cocoa farmers generate a livable income and can provide cocoa beans of superior quality. And we then turn them into the most beautiful chocolate creations. What's so different about Felchlin's chocolate compared to others? You'll read about that below!

Worldwide Cocoa Industry

Roughly most of the chocolate for sale in the Netherlands is purchased on the world market. The price of this cocoa is determined on the London and New York stock exchanges and not agreed directly with the cocoa farmer or a cocoa cooperative in the country of origin.

In addition, there is a long supply chain involving at least 10 parties who all want to earn a living. The cocoa farmer earns very little from this trade. In fact, on average, a cocoa farmer earns only $1 dollar a day.

Direct Trade Felchlin

Fortunately, there are alternatives, such as Fair Trade and organic certified chocolate for which a little more than the world market price is paid. Yet there are still many middlemen in this trade chain.

Felchlin has a very different approach. They embrace the principle of Direct Trade. This is because Felchlin wants to establish a long-term relationship with the cocoa farmer or cocoa cooperative, reach price agreements with them themselves and shorten the trade chain.

This is why they have been working with their own Fair Direct Cocoa label since 1970. This label stands for long-term agreements of at least 5 years, a fair price and direct purchase of cocoa beans. As a result, cocoa farmers generate a livable income, have money to send their children to school and there is also financial room to maintain the rainforest ecosystem.

Fair price

Doing business directly with the cocoa farmer ensures the best quality cocoa beans and a livable income for the cocoa farmer.

100 %

From our chocolate is Direct Trade

196 %

Price relative to market price

177 %

Price vs. Fair Trade price

Tree Project in Ecuador

Cocoa Trees Planting

By working directly with cooperatives and cocoa farmers, Felchlin can ensure that high quality and fair conditions are met when planting cocoa trees.

Since 2014, Felchlin has supported the tree project in Ecuador, which plants young trees in the Aprocane cooperative.

Henris Castillo Mina

Qualified forester Henris Castillo Mina is the project leader on the ground in Ecuador. He takes good care of the seedlings and applies his knowledge about the sustainable cultivation of the cocoa tree and the best planting areas for the many thousands of cocoa trees.