Why This Matters?
Sourcing isn’t just about logistics — it’s about equity, integrity, and quality. When farmers are supported through fair pricing and sustainable practices, they can invest back into their land, communities, and product.
Our Global Sourcing Partners
Every ingredient tells a story. At The Conscious Bar, we partner directly with farmers to source high-quality, ethically grown cacao. Discover the origins and communities behind our ingredients.
Transparent trade
Explore Uganda Cacao
Transparent trade
Explore Ecuador Cacao
What Direct Trade Means in Practice
Where and how cacao is grown determines everything from the flavor in the bar to the income of the farmer. This page outlines the sourcing principles we follow and why those decisions matter — both to the people producing the cacao and to the chocolate it becomes.
We source through trusted partners like Latitude Trade Company in Uganda and Uncommon Cacao in Ecuador — organizations built on transparency, traceability, and direct farmer support.
Every lot is mapped and documented, from farm to fermentation.
Our partners ensure producers set their own prices above market and Fair Trade minimums.
All cacao is fermented and dried under professional oversight, ensuring quality and food safety.
All partner organizations prioritize agroforestry, soil health, and long-term sustainability in farming systems.
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?
Uganda: Our cacao in Uganda is cultivated by smallholder farmers in the Semuliki Forest, where generations of expertise and a deep passion for the land shine through. Through Latitude Trade Co. (LTC), a vertically integrated certified B Corp founded in 2016, we partner with over 4,664 certified organic smallholder producers. Notably, nearly 50% (2,266) are women and 69% (3,228) are under 35 years old, illustrating a vibrant, youthful, and dynamic farming community.
Ecuador: In Ecuador, our premium cacao is sourced through CECAO—an Organic and Fair Trade-certified exporter that champions sustainable, high-quality production. CECAO collaborates with 10 community-based associations, supporting a network of approximately 1,800 producers. These dedicated farmers follow innovative and eco-friendly practices, ensuring that every bean meets rigorous quality standards while upholding ethical sourcing values.
How does our sourcing model support our farmers?
Our direct trade approach benefits farmers by ensuring they receive premium cash prices at the point-of-sale. In Uganda, Latitude Trade Co. (LTC) empowers over 4,664 certified organic producers—nearly 50% of whom are women and 69% under 35—with sustainable income and modern agricultural support. In Ecuador, CECAO works with 10 community-based associations to support approximately 1,800 producers, providing them with technical assistance and a reliable market that reinforces ethical and sustainable practices.
What sustainable farming practices do our farmers employ?
In Uganda’s Semuliki Forest, farmers blend traditional techniques with modern sustainable practices to preserve the land and maintain quality. They work collectively with LTC to ensure environmentally responsible farming. In Ecuador, the network coordinated by CECAO uses eco-friendly methods, including rigorous fermentation and drying processes and intercropping techniques, to safeguard soil health and enhance the cacao’s flavor profile.
How do these practices translate into better quality chocolate for customers?
By sourcing directly from dedicated, ethically supported farmers in Uganda and Ecuador, we ensure that every bean is grown under optimal conditions and harvested with care. This direct connection to our sourcing communities not only supports sustainable livelihoods but also delivers rich, authentic flavors in every chocolate bar you enjoy.