Direct Trade

Direct Trade often is confused with Fairtrade (which is also different than Fair Trade), but Direct Trade goes above and beyond the fair requirements. Direct Trade is not an official certification, but the description of the relationship between buyers and producers. Buyers (chocolate producers) have strong direct relationships with the producers (cocoa farmers) as well as having firsthand knowledge of the labor practices and quality control aspects of the farming process. More often than not, the buyers will visit the producers at their farms or plantations to meet the farmers and get a first-hand look at the operation. By keeping direct relations with the producers, they can further their relationship and omit any ‘middle man’ brokerage. Direct trade companies also are often paying well above the Fairtrade premiums as the direct trade wages reflect the time and effort producers put in to farming high quality cacao, see a decent profit and better the entire community.