Berkeley-based TCHO Chocolate has been recognised as a Certified B Corp company as a result of its sustainability efforts through its TCHO Source Programme and work to improve the lives of its workers, customers, suppliers, and the local community.
The rigorous B Corp Certification process brings credible, meticulous and transparent standards to TCHO’s long-standing sourcing practices, as well as providing a new way to measure the company’s social and environmental impact.
“While many people are already aware of TCHO’s long time work with cocoa farmers, agronomists, and cocoa research institutes, this B Corp Certification is tangible proof of our dedication towards all aspects of sustainability. I’m so proud of TCHO’s commitment to being a great employer and implementing sustainable practices at our Berkeley factory,” said Laura Sweitzer, Director of TCHO Source. “We will continue to challenge ourselves in the coming years to innovate and improve all facets of our business.”
In addition, the company donates $10,000 annually to the African Cocoa Initiative II programme, a five-year initiative focused on building sustainable cocoa supply chains in West Africa.
Becoming a Certified B Corporation is no easy task. With a qualifying score of 82.2, the initial certification is part of TCHO’s continued goal to set higher standards for itself and the chocolate-making community, the company said.
About TCHO
Founded in 2008, TCHO Chocolate crafts award-winning and imaginative chocolate by collaborating directly with cocoa farmers at flavour labs across the world to grow better, more consistent cacao beans to create authentic craft chocolate to inspire the world’s chefs, hobby bakers, and chocolate enthusiasts.