This Juneteenth, Bibamba Chocolate, a Colorado-based company, is raising awareness about the use of child and slave labor in the chocolate industry.
By hosting a chocolate-making class on the holiday, the company aims to educate consumers on the ethical production of chocolate and encourage more conscious choices when it comes to purchasing chocolate.
Founded by the Tcheunou family, Bibamba Chocolate is committed to ensuring fair wages and ethical sourcing of cacao, while shining a light on the ongoing issue of slavery in chocolate production worldwide.
Bibamba Chocolate’s Commitment to Ethical Sourcing
Bibamba Chocolate was founded by the Tcheunou family after they purchased a 56-acre cacao farm in Cameroon in 2015. Their first cacao harvest came in 2020, and since then, the family has overseen every step of the chocolate-making process, from growing the cacao beans to handcrafting the chocolate in their Denver-area shop and factory.
The Tcheunous are dedicated to ensuring that their business is ethical and sustainable, with a focus on providing fair wages and health coverage to their farm team in Cameroon.
The family is fully aware of the widespread use of child and slave labor in the chocolate industry, which remains a pressing issue. Patrick Tcheunou, co-owner of Bibamba Chocolate, spoke about the dark reality of modern slavery in cacao farming, where children are often forced to work under dangerous conditions.
He believes consumers can play a vital role in ending these practices by making informed decisions and supporting chocolate companies that prioritize ethics and sustainability.
Raising Awareness on Juneteenth
In honor of Juneteenth, Bibamba Chocolate is hosting a special chocolate-making class to bring attention to these issues. The event is not only an opportunity for people to learn how to make chocolate, but it also serves as a platform for discussing the importance of ethical sourcing and the role of consumers in supporting fair practices.
The Tcheunous hope that by educating the public, they can inspire more people to make conscious food choices that align with their values.
“We strive to bring people closer to their food,” said Mara Tcheunou, co-owner of Bibamba Chocolate. “Not only do we want people to feel connected to the chocolate maker and the local business owners, but we also want them to feel a connection to the people growing the cacao, even if they are thousands of miles away in Africa.”
Summer Classes for Chocolate Lovers
In addition to the Juneteenth class, Bibamba Chocolate is offering chocolate-making classes throughout the summer. These classes are designed to teach participants about the sourcing of cacao and the impact of their food choices.
The Tcheunous are passionate about helping people understand where their chocolate comes from and how ethical sourcing makes a difference.
Pre-registration is required for these classes, which provide a fun and educational way to learn about the chocolate-making process and the importance of supporting companies that prioritize sustainability and fair labor practices.
As the chocolate industry continues to grapple with the issue of child and slave labor, Bibamba Chocolate is making a difference by offering a transparent and ethical approach to cacao sourcing.
By hosting classes on Juneteenth and throughout the summer, the Tcheunou family hopes to raise awareness about the importance of ethical chocolate production and inspire consumers to support companies that make a positive impact on both people and the planet.
Their commitment to fair wages, sustainable practices, and transparency sets a strong example for the future of the chocolate industry.