A Case Study in Bitter to Better Chocolate.Two chocolate companies, Theo Chocolate and Tony’s Chocolonely, are revolutionizing the chocolate industry and are working to accomplish this goal by hardwiring their values into business objectives. Join us in a conversation with representatives from Theo Chocolate, Tony’s Chocolonely, and Fairtrade America to learn how these companies are creating fair and equitable business models. The chocolate and cocoa sectors haven’t always (and most still don’t) work this way. We will explore their strategies for creating a living wage for smallholder farmers, eliminating child labor in the production of chocolate, minimizing environmental impact, and growing their business at the same time. 

Join us on July 29 at 10am PDT/ 1pm EST!

This event features: Joe Whinney, founder and former CEO of Theo Chocolate and Paul Schoenmakers, Head of Impact at Tony’s Chocolonely. Moderated by Stephanie Westhelle, Development Manager of Sustainability & Partnerships at Fairtrade America

Please sign up to register for the event 

About our Speakers:

Joe Whinney, Theo Chocolate

Joe Whinney is the Founder and former CEO of Theo Chocolate, the first organic and fair-trade chocolate maker in North America. Under Joe’s stewardship, Theo Chocolate won numerous awards for both product quality and its commitment to social and environmental responsibility, including the Jane Goodall Award for Corporate Social Responsibility. Today, Joe works with select companies and organizations in areas such as product development and governance, with the aim of positively impacting social and environmental causes.

Paul Schoenmakers, Tony’s Chocolonely

As Head of Impact, Paul Schoenmakers leads Tony’s impact strategy and leads the impact team. They are responsible for the relationship with the cocoa farmers that supply to Tony’s and all programs and activities with and for Tony’s partner cooperatives in Ghana and Ivory Coast. They measure the impact of Tony’s 5 sourcing principles (100% traceable beans, paying a higher price that enables a living income, strong farmers, long-term relationships and quality & productivity).And report on the progress made and use that data to improve our strategy and programs. In addition, Paul and his team are responsible for accelerating the change in the industry, working with governments, NGOs and certifiers. Most importantly Tony’s actively supports other (chocolate) companies to take responsibility for their value chains, through www.tonysopenchain.com platform. 

Stephanie Westhelle, Fairtrade America

Stephanie Westhelle is the Development Manager for Sustainability & Partnerships at Fairtrade America. Stephanie works in close collaboration with stakeholders across the globe to change the way trade works. Throughout her career, she has advocated the importance of business as a positive driver for economic and environmental change. Stephanie earned her Master of Tourism Administration Degree in Sustainable Agrotourism, from George Washington University and is an alumnus of the UNLEASH Global Innovation Lab.