Why and how much does laflor pay for the cacao?

We are concerned about the recent inflation in exchange-traded cacao prices; a statement

Focus on quality and sustainability at laflor

laflor is committed to the uncompromising quality and sustainability of our products and is therefore willing to pay correspondingly high cacao prices. Until now, laflor has paid double or more of the official commodity price to the local producers of the 5 Origins, all of whom we know personally and with whom we have built up long-standing friendly relationships. This is the only way we can ensure social and ecological sustainability for the farming families and plantations. Our approach also guarantees the aromatic quality and variety of our chocolate. Since last September, the price of cacao traded on the stock exchanges has risen to a record high. This is due to lower cacao harvests and rather empty cacao warehouses. The problem is that cacao farmers do not benefit enough from these high cacao prices. This is explained very clearly in this DW article.

Rising cacao prices and the consequences

laflor’s way of working is clearly different. We have consistently paid a higher price for cacao ever since we founded the company, and we do so as directly as possible. These above-average prices paid by laflor to local producers support the social sustainability of farming families in Colombia, for example. This project made it possible to switch from illegal cocaine production to legal agriculture and therefore create a viable and sustainable alternative for the affected families.

Nature conservation projects in Ecuador

laflor is also concerned with ecological sustainability, such as the plantations in the Esmeraldas nature reserve (Ecuador), a cloud forest that is one of the last refuges of the endangered brown-headed spider monkey “Washu” (Ateles fusciceps). This species is dependent on intact tropical cloud forests for its survival. Thanks to our support and cooperation with Tesoro Escondido, sustainable cultivation practices can be maintained and preserved. Our focus on social and ecological sustainability not only has an impact on the corresponding diversity, but also on the high complexity of the natural variety of flavors in our chocolate – we are convinced of that!

Before the current increase in the exchange-traded price, laflor paid a surcharge of at least 50% to more than twice as much compared to the exchange-traded prices (ICCO Commodity Price Reference). In order to provide comparability: laflor prices are all ex-works prices (excluding transportation and customs clearance).