Innovative Dutch chocolate makers - Tony's Chocolonely Company - create slave labor free chocolate bars in an effort to raise awareness about the bitter side of the chocolate industry. What started as protest against slave labor has led to a delicious chocolate making company that is determined to change the cacao industry one chocolate bar at a time. We caught up with Tony's Chocolonely Company to ask a few questions about the world’s first slave labor free chocolate factory.
Tell us a bit about Tony's Chocolonely Company.
In March 2003, journalist Teun van de Keuken, of the Dutch consumer information TV program Keuringsdienst van Waarde, voluntarily surrendered to the police in Amsterdam, for eating chocolate illegally produced using slave labor. The police refuse to prosecute him.
On March 22, 2004, Teun became the first Dutchman ever to press criminal charges against himself for the crime of eating chocolate. In 2006 the charges are dropped.
On November 30, 2005, Tony’s Chocolonely sells its first slave-free chocolate bars. In 2006, Tony’s Factory is established to respond to the enormous demand for Tony’s Chocolonely.
Where does the name come from?
In November 2005, Teun introduces the world's first officially slave-free chocolate bar. Tony's Chocolonely® is born. The name Teun has become Tony and Chocolonely is a very nice name. After all, at that moment he is lonely being only one of a kind.
What do your labels say?
Our Max Havelaar logo says ‘on our way to 100% slave-free chocolate’. Because at this moment it’s so difficult to guarantee the chocolate was made without slavery we call it ‘on our way...’.
With the help of the world’s chocolate lovers, Tony’s Chocolonely wants to change the cacao production chain. Our mission is to achieve 100% slave-free chocolate.
Is the focus of your company to raise awareness about slave labor or to make good chocolate?
We like to combine both. We started to raise awareness and that still is our goal but you make more fans with good chocolate.
How much slave labor is involved with chocolate?
A lot of different figures circulate. Most people agree on around 30,000 children that are working in the industry. But for us it is very important to improve the social-economic position of all the cocoa farmers.
What would people be shocked to learn about chocolate production?
The involvement of child labor, the poverty of farmers, the working conditions and the use of pesticides.
Why doesn't the public know about the reality of chocolate?
Well some people just don't want to know, but it is also difficult for consumers to know if a chocolate is OK or not. This is the same for all products not only chocolate, but also coffee, sugar, etc.
How can the public know if chocolate is slave labor free?
If you buy chocolate with a logo from Flo Cert (Max Havelaar) or Utz of Rainforest. They each have different standards, but it is a step forward.
Tell us a bit about the Tony & The Chocolate Factory movie?
Well I cannot tell you a lot, only that after a lot of time it is finally going to happen. A Dutch production company has just started research and looking for finance for the project. And I truly hope that the film will be finished in 2010.
How does your chocolate taste?
Yummy, yummy. It is very popular, I like the dark chocolate.
What can people do to support slave labor free chocolate?
Buy slave free and ask shops why they don't sell fair-trade. After all, the industry responds to consumers.
Visit: http://www.chocolonely.nl/
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