Why is Tony’s Chocolonely more expensive? The real story behind fair chocolate

When you compare a Tony’s Chocolonely bar with an average chocolate bar, the price difference is often immediately noticeable. This raises a common question: why is Tony’s Chocolonely more expensive? The answer is straightforward: the higher price is a deliberate choice. Tony’s Chocolonely does not only aim to make tasty chocolate, but also to address the structural problems within the cocoa industry. Its approach focuses on fairer payments for farmers, fully traceable cocoa and long-term partnerships with producers.

The challenge behind chocolate

A large share of the world’s cocoa comes from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Although the global chocolate industry generates billions in revenue, many cocoa farmers still live below the poverty line. Poverty increases the risk of child labour and other forms of exploitation within the supply chain. According to Tony’s Chocolonely, this is the root of the problem: as long as farmers do not earn enough, these issues will continue. That is why Tony’s focuses not only on certification, but mainly on changing the way cocoa is sourced.

Tony’s Chocolonely’s five sourcing principles

To make the cocoa supply chain fairer, Tony’s works according to five fixed principles:

• 100% traceable cocoa
• beans paying a higher price than the standard market price
• investing in strong farmer cooperatives
• building long-term partnerships
• improving quality and productivity on cocoa farms

According to Tony’s, these five principles only work when they are applied together. Individual measures are not enough to create lasting, structural change.

Tony’s Open Chain: collaboration instead of competition

One of the most distinctive aspects of Tony’s Chocolonely is that the company shares its sourcing model with other chocolate producers. Through Tony’s Open Chain, other brands can apply the same sourcing principles. Tony’s therefore aims not only to improve its own chocolate, but to change the entire industry. Several international brands have already adopted this approach. This is what makes Tony’s different: success is not only measured by the number of chocolate bars sold, but also by the number of other companies that join the movement.

Does this mean Tony’s Chocolonely is perfect?

No.

Tony’s Chocolonely openly acknowledges that cases of child labour can still be found within its own supply chain. The difference is that these cases are actively identified through a Child Labour Monitoring and Remediation System, or CLMRS. Once a case is discovered, measures are taken to address and improve the situation. This transparency is an important part of the company’s approach. Tony’s does not claim that every problem has already been solved. Instead, it states that it takes responsibility for its supply chain and reports openly on its progress.

Why do companies choose Tony’s Chocolonely as a corporate gift?

For many organisations, a corporate gift is more than a simple thank-you. It also communicates something about the values of the company giving it. Tony’s Chocolonely is a strong fit for organisations that value sustainability, corporate social responsibility and fairer trade. The recognisable chocolate bars stand out, are widely appreciated and immediately tell a story about fairer cocoa. When the chocolate is also supplied with a personalised wrapper or packaging, it becomes a corporate gift that feels both personal and meaningful.

Looking for Tony’s Chocolonely with personalised packaging?

Would you like to surprise employees, customers or business partners with chocolate that is not only delicious, but also tells a clear story? Discover the options for branded Tony’s Chocolonely with your own wrapper. This allows you to combine a strong, recognisable brand with a more sustainable message that reflects the values of your organisation.