What Direct Trade Means To Us
Direct trade isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a commitment to integrity, quality, and transparency. It’s our way of ensuring chocolate is better for everyone—from the farmers to you.
The Heart of Our Cacao
Semuliki Forest, Uganda
At The Conscious Bar, we believe every bar of chocolate should make the world a little better. That’s why we source our cacao through direct partnerships with farmers in Uganda's Semuliki Forest, via Latitude Craft Chocolate. This isn’t just about fair wages—it’s about creating a brighter future for farming communities, preserving the land, and delivering chocolate with ethically rooted flavor.
Single-Origin Purity
By sourcing exclusively from the Semuliki Forest, we capture the region's distinctive flavor profile—deep, fudgy chocolate notes with hints of fruit and spice. This single-origin approach ensures consistency and authenticity in every bite.
Empowering Communities
Our direct trade model invests in long-term community projects, including education, healthcare, and sustainable farming initiatives. By prioritizing these areas, we contribute to the overall well-being and development of the farming communities.
Direct Collaboration:
Our farmers are paid 20-30% above local market prices, providing cash payments at over 50 rural collection points. This approach not only offers immediate financial support but also fosters economic stability within the community.
Our Partner
Latitude Trade Company produces award-winning specialty cacao employing more than 50 organized rural collection points for producers to sell fresh cacao weekly into the network. The producers receive a premium cash price at the point-of-sale. Semuliki Forest cacao is sourced from the region around Bundibugyo in Western Uganda.
The Farmers
Stewards of Tradition and Sustainability
Behind every cacao bean are dedicated farmers who infuse their heritage and hard work into their craft. Our commitment to them goes beyond transactions—it's about building lasting relationships and supporting their livelihoods.
Many of our farmers have inherited their cacao farms, carrying forward time-honored techniques that produce consistently high-quality cacao. This generational knowledge is invaluable in maintaining the integrity of our chocolate.
We proudly support female-led farms, recognizing the pivotal role women play in agriculture. Nearly 50% of the farms are female owned. Their leadership brings strength, skill, and innovation to farming practices, fostering a more inclusive and prosperous community.
Fair compensation enables farmers to invest in sustainable practices, such as organic farming and environmental conservation. These efforts ensure the long-term health of the land and the quality of the cacao.
Many of our farmers have inherited their cacao farms, carrying forward time-honored techniques that produce consistently high-quality cacao. This generational knowledge is invaluable in maintaining the integrity of our chocolate.
We proudly support female-led farms, recognizing the pivotal role women play in agriculture. Nearly 50% of the farms are female owned. Their leadership brings strength, skill, and innovation to farming practices, fostering a more inclusive and prosperous community.
Fair compensation enables farmers to invest in sustainable practices, such as organic farming and environmental conservation. These efforts ensure the long-term health of the land and the quality of the cacao.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes direct trade different from fair trade?
Direct trade goes beyond fair trade standards by building direct, long-term relationships with farmers. We bypass traditional commodity markets, paying farmers directly and ensuring they receive fair compensation that truly reflects their work and expertise.
Who are our cacao farmers?
Our cacao is grown by smallholder farmers in Uganda’s Semuliki Forest, many of whom have been farming cacao for generations. They’re dedicated, skilled, and driven by a passion for their land and craft. Latitude Trade Co. (LTC), founded in 2016, is a vertically integrated certified B Corp in Uganda sourcing from more than 4,664 certified organic smallholder producers, 2,266 (nearly 50%) of whom are women and 3,228 (69%) of whom are individuals under 35 years of age.
How can I know that farmers are really benefiting?
Transparency is central to our mission. We work with Latitude Craft Chocolate, which regularly audits and reports on community impact. We also share updates on our website and social media to keep you connected to the positive impact you’re making with every purchase.