SEAWEED

Cacao Bean Chocolate vs Fake Chocolate

When chocolate products receive a Fair Trade designation this represents certification by a for-profit governing body that has specified certain standards of business operation. Certification implies that companies in developed countries pay fair prices to producers in developing countries. Fair Trade is also associated with safer and environmentally friendly working conditions plus improved worker rights. 

However, some chocolate makers are adopting Direct Trade practices in addition-or instead. They believe Fair Trade certification results in an absolute minimum payment to cacao suppliers, and minimum ethics standards. In addition, costs associated with upfront and annual Fair Trade certification fees for participating producer groups, exporters, importers, and chocolate makers, may be prohibitive and unsustainable especially for small producers. 

Tom Rogan, founder, and Head Chocolate Maker at Goodnow Farms Chocolate (Sudbury, Massachusetts) agrees. “Our payment to farmers is two to four times above the typical commodity price. We sometimes pre-pay too because some of our farmers have cash-flow problems. We also invest in infrastructure, so we donated money to help restore a bridge for cacao farmers.”

Another problem with Fair Trade? Among other things there is no one single set of standards or certification and some logos don’t even represent certification, just membership in an organization.

Emily Stone, co-founder/CEO of Uncommon Cacao, Inc. (Arvada, Colorado) a cacao bean wholesaler says her company doesn’t typically use the words "Direct Trade," because the term isn't clearly defined, and describes a wide variety of sourcing practices. 

 “Our partner evaluation system includes a lot of overlap [with Fair Trade] when it comes to human and child rights, working conditions, wages, the environment, traceability and transparency,” she says. “But we definitely have direct and close relationships with producer partners, too. We import cacao directly, and we pay more for cacao quality.

 “Our focus has always been on higher farmgate prices paid for higher quality cacao at the point of purchase, from the actual cacao producer. Farmers earning a net profit from cacao production is the critical foundation for building more equitable trade relationships, supporting producers in achieving a living income, and addressing key systemic problems such as deforestation and human rights violations.” 

WHAT IS DIRECT TRADE?

Chocolate makers with a Direct Trade focus typically emphasize such mutually beneficial and transparent trade relationships, with no entity operating between buyer and supplier and onsite visits to see farmer partners. Direct Trade also implies the business’s frank communication with producers about farming to labor practices. It typically means that a company meets its workers at every stage of production, from growing and harvesting cacao to fermentation and drying.

“With cacao, how it is treated at origin has a huge impact on the resulting quality of chocolate,” Rogan says. “Being able to influence how that happens means we’re able to get a more consistent, higher quality product. We have visited each of the farms [we work with] personally. We stay in regular contact with producers at origin, and we work with them to develop their day-to-day operations.”

One challenge with Direct Trade? Chocolate is not often labeled as such.

TRANSPARENCY

Broader Direct Trade practices including Transparent Trade are based on real relationships and trust between producers, exporters, and buyers. The Transparent Trade approach is important to chocolate makers as well as wholesalers. Fair Trade certified as a trader, the company sources multiple Fair Trade certified cacaos (ABOCFA Ghana, EcoCacao Ecuador, Alto Urubamba Chuncho Peru). 

The company sources high quality cacao from more than 7,000 smallholder producers across 14 countries, imports it to the U.S. and Europe, and distributes the cacao to hundreds of chocolate makers globally. 

But Stone says her company is also a ‘radically transparent’ cacao trader, publishing all prices and margins across its value chain. Uncommon Cacao’s partners get to see the price at which their cacao sells to chocolate makers. 

For instance, “We pay higher prices for better quality, and fully disclose the prices and margins across our value chain in an Annual Transparency Report. We spend time with real numbers, real names, and real stories of the human beings who grow, produce, and move the cacao that represents such a critically important part of the value of their products.” 

Askinosie Chocolate’s Transparency Reports compare prices they pay for cocoa beans against World Market Price, and Fair Trade pricing. On average, the company pays 25 percent more than Fair Trade prices. The company is also involved with every step of the chocolate-making process, from farm to bar.

“We clearly define the way we practice [Direct Trade] on our website, our packaging, our annual Transparency Reports, our book, and more, and we hold ourselves accountable,” says Lawren Askinosie, Marketing Officer and co-owner of Askinosie Chocolate, Springfield, Missouri. 

Taza Chocolate publishes its prices, volumes, and cocoa sources annually too, plus standards regarding the minimum price it will pay for cocoa beans at any given moment. 

“Chocolate and cocoa are historically very opaque markets,” Whitmore says. “Our goal is to change that by really creating awareness and visibility of where cocoa comes from. We are bean-to-bar makers, getting unique, specific cocoa to make our unique, specific cocoa products. I’m incredibly passionate about the cocoa supply chain and improving the quality and the supply chain at all levels-from farmer to consumer.”

PARTNER

Fine & Raw Chocolate

Fine & Raw Chocolate was established in 2007 in a notorious Williamsburg, Brooklyn artist loft by Daniel Sklaar. Daniel launched into making small Fine & Raw Chocolate batches and sharing them with friends, Fine & Raw Chocolate wholesale then started delivering them on his bicycle to local purveyors of fine food. It was apparent that the chocolate flavor was so good it was borderline addictive. Fine & Raw Chocolate wholesale grew based on the premise of producing organic, unparalleled quality chocolate and a shear love of the chocolate making process.

The “raw” in Fine & Raw is something of a misnomer. Sklaar and Fine & Raw Chocolate company do roast some of their organic cacao beans under lower temperatures and for longer durations than common in standard high-heat processing. Says Sklaar, “Raw chocolate is an amazing source of antioxidants. We’re basically looking to maintain those while playing with the unique flavor profiles of raw chocolate.” Fine & Raw offers chocolates using both “raw” and combinations of “raw” and conventionally roasted beans.

Fine & Raw Chocolate wholesale manufactures the finest chocolate in the world. Fine & Raw Chocolate wholesale specialize in bean-to-bar, organic chocolate bars and truffles, spreads and well, anything our imaginations can think of it. Fine & Raw Chocolate start by sourcing the worlds finest cacao beans and specialize in clean ingredients lists. Their products are always organic, plant-based and next level.

Fine & Raw Chocolate's first point of sustainability is a radically-transparent cacao supply chain which is focused on quality and direct relationships with cacao farmer! Fine & Raw's cacao is sourced from the highest quality and most ethical suppliers in Ghana and Ecuador. "We ensure that our farmers are paid above fair trade wages, because we believe farmers should have the economic freedom and empowerment to farm organically and develop sustainable land management practices. It is currently estimated that less than 0.5% of cacao beans are organic. By cultivating long-lasting and ethical relationships with suppliers and farmers, we hope to continue providing economic support for the organic cacao industry."

Made in Brooklyn, NY

Founded by Daniel Sklaar in 2007

PARTNER

Grass Fed Collagen

As we welcome a fresh start, it’s the perfect time to focus on your health and beauty goals. NativePath's Grass-Fed Collagen Powder is your go-to solution for a revitalized you in the new year! This versatile powder easily blends into your morning coffee, smoothies, or even your favorite winter soups, making it simple to nourish your body daily. Just 2 scoops provides 18 grams of protein to support radiant skin, flexible joints, and strong hair, helping you look and feel your best as you embrace the new year. Whether you’re tackling fitness goals or enhancing your beauty routine, adding collagen to your daily regimen is a smart move for lasting wellness.

Order today to save!

NEW PRODUCTS

Newly Launched Farm2Me

• Couplet Coffee – Coffee Bean Roaster, Los Angeles, CA, United States (Link)

• Tiny Fish Co – Tinned Fish, Local Ingredients, Portland, OR, United States (Link)

• Central Coast Creamery – Handmade Cheese, Local Dairy, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States (Link)

• Three Sisters Charcuterie – Sustainable Pork Spanish Dry-Cured Chorizo, Richmond, CA, United States (Link)

GROCERS

1,000+ Tiny Grocers to find Cheese

Farm2Me Map of Independent Grocers is not just a map – it’s a vibrant, living community celebrating the hardworking shops and shopkeepers you pass by every day.

Get lost in the intricate stories of shop owners. Discover their journeys, the products they love, and the reasons behind what they do.

Take advantage of the map when you’re visiting a new neighborhood, when you’re traveling around the country / world, or just looking for something special in your neighborhood.

We’ve spent 14 years building this, so enjoy!

PARTNER

Antarctic Krill Oil

Fight winter joint pain with NativePath Antarctic Krill Oil! Packed with powerful omega-3s, this soft gel reduces inflammation and improves circulation, keeping you active and comfortable. For a limited time, get 66% off, FREE SHIPPING, and a FREE GIFT!

Order today!

NON-GMO

Non GMO Project

Non-GMO products do not allow GMO genetically modified organism - a plant, animal, microorganism or other organism whose genetic makeup has been modified in a laboratory using genetic engineering or transgenic technology. GMO creates combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and virus genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods.  Make sure  you see the  Non-GMO label!

Genetic modification affects many of the products we consume on a daily basis. As the number of GMOs available for commercial use grows every year, the Non-GMO Project works diligently to provide the most accurate, up-to-date standards for non-GMO verification.

In order for a product to be Non-GMO Project Verified, its inputs must be evaluated for compliance with our standard, which categorizes inputs into four risk levels.

NON-ALCOHOLIC

600+ Non-Alcoholic Shops for Gifting

Farm2Me Map of Non-Alc Grocers is not just a map – it’s a vibrant, living community celebrating the hardworking shops and shopkeepers you pass by every day.

Get lost in the intricate stories of shop owners. Discover their journeys, the products they love, and the reasons behind what they do.

Take advantage of the map when you’re visiting a new neighborhood, when you’re traveling around the country / world, or just looking for something special in your neighborhood.

We’ve spent 14 years building this, so enjoy!

NEWS

Seaweed Gets $2.5M

Triodos’ investment into the Faroese seaweed farming industry - the group’s first investment into the sustainable aquaculture industry - raises the total capital raised by Ocean Rainforest to € 2.5 million. Other notable shareholders include Katapult Ocean, Twynam, and WWF.

Founded in 2007, Ocean Rainforest was ahead of the curve, seemingly anticipating the massive boom in global seaweed production that was to come in the following years. Driven by the idea that growing seaweed in the ocean would take up CO₂ and mitigate climate change, cultivation began in 2013 after years of research and trials. Today the company employs 25 people and expects to produce 400 tonnes of seaweed biomass by the end of 2024, making it the largest cultivated seaweed producer in Europe.

“Ocean Rainforest addresses three impact pillars: from an environmental perspective, cultivating seaweed at scale is associated with significant enhancement of marine biodiversity and water quality. Seaweed-based fertilisers and animal feed also contribute to the sustainable agriculture transition. From a consumer perspective, consumption of seaweed-based products improves the digestive system and brings anti-inflammatory and other benefits,” said Adam Kybird, fund manager at Triodos, in a press release.

“Finally, from a socio-economic perspective, the company creates positive impact for coastal communities, creating jobs and positioning the Faroe Islands at the forefront of sustainable seaweed cultivation,” he added.

Ocean Rainforest has also begun to expand its reach, cultivating giant kelp in Santa Barbara, California, as part of a research and development project. The company recently applied for permission to transition this to commercial cultivation.

“We see the investment by Triodos Food Transition Europe Fund as a confirmation of our business strategy and our purpose to improve people’s wellbeing and make a unique contribution to our blue planet. With the funding provided by Triodos we will be able to further scale our production and capitalise on the huge potential of this global growth market while contributing even more to our sustainability goals,” said Olavur Gregersen, Ocean Rainforest co-founder and chief executive.

LOCAL FARMS

Farmers Markets to find Cheese

Farm2Me Guide of Farmers Markets is not just a map – you can finally search by day, location, and see what’s open — it’s a vibrant, living community celebrating the hardworking farms and makers all over the country, every day.

Get lost in the intricate stories of the farms. Discover their journeys, the products they love, and the reasons behind what they do.

Take advantage of the map when you’re visiting a new neighborhood, when you’re traveling around the country / world, or just looking for something special in your neighborhood.

We’ve spent 14 years building this, so enjoy!

PARTNER

Electrolytes w/ Aminos

Make hydration part of your New Year’s health resolution with NativePath Hydrate! Packed with amino acids, electrolytes, and essential nutrients, this clean hydration formula supports muscle function, boosts energy, and helps you recover faster—without the excessive sodium or sugars found in most commercial drinks. Whether you’re starting a new fitness routine or simply want to stay hydrated through the winter, NativePath Hydrate is your go-to solution. Bonus: Enjoy up to 44% off, FREE SHIPPING, and a FREE GIFT with your purchase!

Learn more

COFFEE ROASTERS

Coffee Roasters Near Me

Farm2Me Map of Independent Grocers is not just a map – it’s a vibrant, living community celebrating the hardworking shops and shopkeepers you pass by every day.

Get lost in the intricate stories of shop owners. Discover their journeys, the products they love, and the reasons behind what they do.

Take advantage of the map when you’re visiting a new neighborhood, when you’re traveling around the country / world, or just looking for something special in your neighborhood.

We’ve spent 14 years building this, so enjoy!

Pro Tip #1

Visit a local Grocer or Coffee Shop, or explore a local Farmers Market. Shop direct from your favorite emerging brands!

CHOCOLATE

Fine & Raw Chocolate

Fine & Raw Chocolate was established in 2007 in a notorious Williamsburg, Brooklyn artist loft by Daniel Sklaar. Daniel launched into making small Fine & Raw Chocolate batches and sharing them with friends, Fine & Raw Chocolate wholesale then started delivering them on his bicycle to local purveyors of fine food. It was apparent that the chocolate flavor was so good it was borderline addictive. Fine & Raw Chocolate wholesale grew based on the premise of producing organic, unparalleled quality chocolate and a shear love of the chocolate making process.

The “raw” in Fine & Raw is something of a misnomer. Sklaar and Fine & Raw Chocolate company do roast some of their organic cacao beans under lower temperatures and for longer durations than common in standard high-heat processing. Says Sklaar, “Raw chocolate is an amazing source of antioxidants. We’re basically looking to maintain those while playing with the unique flavor profiles of raw chocolate.” Fine & Raw offers chocolates using both “raw” and combinations of “raw” and conventionally roasted beans.

Fine & Raw Chocolate wholesale manufactures the finest chocolate in the world. Fine & Raw Chocolate wholesale specialize in bean-to-bar, organic chocolate bars and truffles, spreads and well, anything our imaginations can think of it. Fine & Raw Chocolate start by sourcing the worlds finest cacao beans and specialize in clean ingredients lists. Their products are always organic, plant-based and next level.

Fine & Raw Chocolate's first point of sustainability is a radically-transparent cacao supply chain which is focused on quality and direct relationships with cacao farmer! Fine & Raw's cacao is sourced from the highest quality and most ethical suppliers in Ghana and Ecuador. "We ensure that our farmers are paid above fair trade wages, because we believe farmers should have the economic freedom and empowerment to farm organically and develop sustainable land management practices. It is currently estimated that less than 0.5% of cacao beans are organic. By cultivating long-lasting and ethical relationships with suppliers and farmers, we hope to continue providing economic support for the organic cacao industry."

Made in Brooklyn, NY

Founded by Daniel Sklaar in 2007

CHOCOLATE

Time-Line Mitochondria

As we age, our muscles naturally lose mass, strength, and functionality, which can lead to fatigue and weakness beginning as early as our 30s. Recent studies indicate that our mitochondria—the cellular powerhouses that generate 90% of our energy—play a crucial role in this decline, contributing to reduced muscle function as we age. A new way to support and improve muscle health as we age, Mitopure® by Timeline is clinically shown to meaningfully boost our mitochondrial health to improve muscle strength and endurance, without any change in exercise required.

Try it out!

AI TOOLS

Tech tools powering the best DTC brands

Are you raising capital?: Founders, get your startup in front of my network of our 1,800+ top-tier VC investors, angel investors, and family offices (Sign up here)

Looking for deal flow?: Investors, receive curated deal flow from my network in your inbox every month. (Sign up here)

Report on AI: Read Motley Fool’s report on new AI (link)
Rebuy: AI-powered personalization for e-commerce (link)
Klaviyo: Email personalization with AI integrations (link)
Smartly.io: Personalize your Ads 100,000x with AI, per geography and customer use case (link)
Range.me: Meet 3 buyers free, and over 50,000+ emerging food buyers (link)
Okendo: Reviews & Loyalty based on paclaging, flavor, ingredients, CX, and more (link)
Fairing: Attribution Surveys to help make sense of customer intent blackholes (link)
Algolia: Personalized Search using AI for e-commerce (link)
Braze: Personalized Customer Profile Databases (CDP) (link)

THAT’S A WRAP

Get your product in front of over 450k+

Our newsletter is read by thousands of food & tech executives, investors, engineers, managers, and business owners around the world. Get in touch today.