Lake Champlain Chocolates expands its Fair Trade Certified products

Family-owned Vermont chocolate company, Lake Champlain Chocolates (LCC), is celebrating becoming Fair Trade Certified for its hand-made Five Star Bar line.

LCC has been a pioneer in the fair trade movement, certifying its line of hot chocolates 15 years ago.

To earn the Fair Trade certification, farms must meet and adhere to a rigorous set of social, environmental and economic standards. Once certified, farmers and workers earn a $200/MT premium on top of every sale, which goes into a community-managed bank account.

These funds are then used on infrastructure in areas like healthcare, education, water and food security to foster advancement in the community.

Resonates with consumers

“We continue to see the conscious consumerism trend grow as individuals seek to express their values through their purchasing decisions​,” says Allyson Myers, director of sales and marketing for LCC.  “Choosing Fair Trade Certified products resonates with these consumers​.”

For every $1 invested, $4 has been returned to farmers, workers, and fishers through Fair Trade Certified Supply chains. 

“The coop CONACADO in the Dominican Republic provides LCC with the majority of our organic cacao​,” says Myers. “And so it’s important to us that the people in this community have access to clean water, an updated facility for education, and the ability to grow their own food​.”

The second-generation, family-owned firm is a Certified B Corporation and seen as a pioneer in the American chocolate movement.

“Certifying our products supports our vision and mission to not only be the best in the world, but for the world​,” says Myers.  “By supporting cacao-growing communities, sourcing organic ingredients whenever possible, and using 100% fair trade certified chocolate​.”