Hervy Ong
St. John's University
Charles Wankel
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Chocolates have the ability to change and impact the world. They are not mere guilty pleasure snacks; chocolates are able to support communities in the world. Indulge not only in something delicious for your health, but also something that supports equality and global growth.
Five North Chocolate creates fair-trade and vegan chocolates in partnerships with farmers from West Africa. Five North is committed to using the best quality, certified fair trade cocoa from West Africa, while promoting economic equality.
Five North transpired from an idea in a commercial ideation class in the VentureWorks entrepreneurial program at SUNY Geneseo. Benjamin Conard, founder and CEO worked alongside his team mates in order to make this idea come into fruition. Inspired by his aunt and uncle who started Fair Trade Winds in 2007, "a fair trade retail store bringing a variety of ethical and sustainable products to communities and consumers around the US", Ben became a fair trade activist. Thus resulting in their fair trade and vegan chocolates which promotes not only a healthier lifestyle but also a more economically conscious lifestyle.
Five North creates socially and health conscious chocolate, which promotes and empowers the standard of living of their producers. Their chocolates promote a positive impact on developing communities especially in West Africa. Chocolates, although a small delicious snack, have the power to impact the lives of individuals. Through Five North's chocolate stories, they are able to educate and inspire consumers to do differently. To think differently and be more conscious of their day-to-day consumption. The company promotes economic growth and equality of those who are suffering from injustices and are unfairly compensated for the amazing work they do.
A company that began as an idea in class, has come very far. Operating out of New York and currently sold-out at the moment, Five North has plenty of potential and growth in its future. Five North has the ability to open peoples' eyes and emphasizes a consumers' ability to take charge of their money and life. As Ben Conard said, "fair-trade, [this company], allows you to put your money where your mouth is. It allows you to make decisions you're proud of and help you realize your power as a consumer".
In the words of Guy Kawasaki, ""Great companies start because the founders want to change the world.. not make a fast buck." This quote rings true to not only Five North but also Ben. Five North partners with producers from West Africa whom have been often exploited for their work. Five North sources their certified fair trade cocoa from these producers in order to promote economic equality and consciousness. They heavily communicate the story behind their products. The products they sell are not mere chocolates. It is a livelihood for some individuals. They communicate the stories of the farmers and the cocoa itself in order to promote a more conscious lifestyle for its consumers.
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Benjamin Conard, Founder and CEO
