Development Minister's Plea: Opt for Ethically Made Chocolates, Support Nicholas
In a recent statement to the Funke media group's weekend editions, German Development Minister Gerd Müller (CSU) called on consumers to be mindful of the production conditions when purchasing chocolate Advent calendars. Müller's comments were made ahead of St. Nicholas Day on December 6, highlighting the ongoing issue of child labor in West African cocoa plantations.
Approximately 1.5 million boys and girls continue to work on cocoa plantations in West Africa, where about 70 percent of the cocoa processed in Germany is grown. Child labor has persisted in these plantations over the last ten years, despite efforts to eradicate it.
To ensure that their purchases support fair labor and sustainable practices, consumers can avoid chocolate Advent calendars without transparent sourcing information and instead favour those backed by recognised certifications and ethical manufacturing claims.
One key method is to check for ethical certifications, such as SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) or BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative), which indicate adherence to ethical labor practices, including the prevention of child labor in supply chains.
Another approach is to choose products with clear ethical claims. Some brands advertise their use of ethically sourced materials, FSC-certified packaging, or production in workshops with transparent labor practices, which helps reduce indirect involvement with unethical labor.
Preferring calendars made by small ethical workshops or local producers can also help, as these typically have more transparent and controlled supply chains, thereby reducing the risk of child labor exploitation in raw materials.
Companies openly communicating their ethical policies, supply chain audits, and certifications are preferable since they invest in accountability measures. Consumers are encouraged to orient themselves towards corresponding labels when shopping for Advent calendars.
By choosing ethically produced Advent calendars, consumers can directly improve the incomes of families in West Africa. Purchasing a fairly produced Advent calendar can also help prevent children from having to work on cocoa plantations.
Müller criticised that there are "far too few fairly produced Advent calendars" in supermarkets. He urged consumers to make a difference by supporting brands that prioritise fair labor practices and sustainable production.
- Consumers can make a difference by selecting Advent calendars that are ethically produced, as these not only contribute to fair labor practices but also prevent child labor in West African cocoa plantations.
- In the process of buying food-and-drink items such as chocolate Advent calendars, it is essential to be mindful of the business's general-news regarding production conditions, particularly the use of child labor.
- To educate themselves and make informed decisions, consumers can look for products with transparent sourcing information, ethical certifications like SMETA or BSCI, or self-development claims promoting ethical manufacturing.
