REVERENCE FOR LIFE Here, our core value is Reverence for Life, which is modeled after renowned humanitarian Albert Schweitzer’s ethic of the same name. We believe all life is precious and deserving of our respect, kindness and care, and this Reverence for Life ethic is at the heart of each our business practices.
ETHICAL TRADE Our cocoa is 100% ethically traded. Philosophically, ethical trade and fair trade are one in the very same. Up and through summer 2006, our organic chocolate products have been Fair Trade Certified™ through Trans Fair and our organic cocoa has been sourced at Conacado Co-op in the Dominican Republic. Effective summer of 2006, Endangered Species Chocolate will dedicate the dollars previously earmarked for Trans Fair certification to directly support the farmers in the Conacado Co-op, where we will continue to source our cocoa. Our sourcing program will continue to ensure the cocoa farmers in the Conacado Co-op a fair wage.
MORE THAN JUST A LIST Our exquisite chocolate and colorful wrappers serve not only to increase awareness of species currently listed as threatened or endangered on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s Endangered Species List, but to inspire proactive conservation for animals confronting universal struggles such as habitat encroachment, poaching, and pollution. Our products aim to honor all flora and fauna that share this planet. All are invaluable…and sadly, all are vulnerable. Join us in taking care of one another and our Earth. It’s time.
STORY Endangered Species Chocolate (ESC) was founded in 1993 in effort to spread awareness and to make an impact on the growing number of plant and animal species that are disappearing from Earth. Since then the mission has grown to embrace a new definition of “endangered” - that all species, habitat and humanity are endangered on our planet, not just animals on a list. 10 percent of the company’s net profits are donated to help support species, habitat and humanity.
To keep up with growing demand for premium chocolate with a cause, and to take advantage of a centralized Midwest location to reduce shipping costs and time, in 2005 ESC moved from its original 5,000-square-foot facility in Oregon to Indiana. The newly renovated, fully automated Indianapolis facility provides 43,000 square feet and is expandable to 77,000 square feet. In keeping with the company’s commitment to protect species and our environment, the building is LEED® registered and meets all the requirements of LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Rating Council.
ESC confirms that all of our chocolate is created from ethically traded, shade grown cacao grown on small family-owned properties that support the habitats and communities in which they exist. In February 2006, four ESC team members traveled to the Ikom region of Nigeria where all of our all-natural cacao is harvested. While observing ethical trade in action, ESC sponsored the provision of school supplies for children and the installation of water pumps for two local villages. In 2007, ESC is working with Saro Agro Science to provide six scholarships to the top students in the Ikom region. The money will be used to purchase school books, supplies and uniforms.
ESC’s organic cacao is sourced from Dominican Republic to create seven varieties of organic milk and dark chocolate bars in addition to bite-sized treats. The company is planning a trip to visit cacao farmers in Dominican Republic in 07/08. Fair prices are paid for all harvested products used in making Endangered Species Chocolate’s all-natural and organic chocolate products and a fair wage and humane working conditions are ensured for all workers.
Today, more than 30 ESC products are available to customers who crave premium, all-natural chocolate – and who share our commitment to protect Earth. Many bars are identified with an at-risk species and include information about the plight of these animals. Our 3-ounce all-natural bars, 1.4-ounce premium organic bars, .35-ounce bite-size treats, gift boxes and baking chocolates offer a variety of indulgent flavors. Endangered Species Chocolate consistently ranks as the number one selling brand of chocolate in natural supermarkets, according to SPINS, the leading provider of information in the natural products industry.
