Currently, the climate crisis and economic and social inequalities are reaching worrying levels, and the food industry, responsible for about a third of global greenhouse gas emissions according to data from the EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency), is partly responsible for it.
Faced with this reality, being a responsible consumer is not an option, as relevant regulations and laws are forcing consumers to be more responsible and contribute to the creation of a more ethical and sustainable production system. Choose direct trade and organic products It means supporting farmers who cultivate their lands without degrading the environment, in fair conditions, thus enabling the economic development of their communities.
But for brands like Paccari, a chocolate company of Ecuadorian origin that puts the social, economic and working well-being of farmers at the center of its business, being responsible is not an obligation imposed by the new regulations, but rather an essential responsibility towards the planet and future generations. For Santiago Peralta, founder of Paccari, “Every chocolate bar becomes an opportunity to create a positive impact, which goes far beyond the final product and positively impacts the entire value chain.”.
The organic chocolate brand wants to help consumers choose environmentally friendly products that support workers in fair conditions and contribute to long-term sustainability. And the adoption of responsible consumption habits in our shopping cart can generate positive impacts that go far beyond what we think, among which the following stand out:
- Support for producing communities: By choosing direct trade, consumers help strengthen the local economy of farming communities, helping to improve their quality of life.
- Reduction of environmental impact: Farmers who work like Paccari follow sustainable practices, such as reducing pesticides and using regenerative farming methods, which preserve biodiversity and reduce the carbon footprint of products.
- Transparency and traceability: Purchasing responsible products allows consumers to know the origin of what they consume, ensuring that their choices are aligned with ethical and responsible values.
- Improved health: Sustainable products are generally free of pesticides and chemical additives, which reduces exposure to harmful substances and helps maintain health and improve well-being.
- Waste reduction and resource saving: By opting for products with biodegradable packaging or packaging with a lower environmental impact, the amount of waste generated is reduced, promoting a more efficient use of natural resources.
- Education and cultural change: The promotion of responsible consumption promotes a cultural change towards more conscious habits, which translates into the creation of a more informed and responsible society.
A chocolate with a positive impact
For Paccari every choice counts. Through direct alliances with farmers, the brand ensures that each chocolate bar is not only delicious, but also a tool for change for the environment and for the people who depend on this product for a living. For this reason the company promotes consumer education on topics such as traceability and fair trade, inviting consumers to learn more about the origin of their products and the impact of every choice on the world around them.
“Direct trade allows us to develop long-term relationships with farmers, which benefits our entire production chain. For us, every chocolate bar is an opportunity to contribute to the creation of a more just and sustainable food system.”, comments Santiago Peralta.
Source: Paccari
How can consumers identify ethically produced products when shopping for food?
Interview Transcript: Time.news Editor with Santiago Peralta, Founder of Paccari
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we dive into the most pressing issues of our time. Today, we have a special guest, Santiago Peralta, the founder of Paccari, an Ecuadorian organic chocolate company that is at the forefront of promoting sustainability and ethical consumption. Santiago, thank you for joining us.
Santiago Peralta: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to share insights about sustainability and our mission at Paccari.
Editor: The climate crisis and economic inequalities are making headlines everywhere. With the food industry being responsible for around a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, what do you believe are the primary responsibilities of brands like yours?
Santiago Peralta: Brands like Paccari have a vital role to play in addressing these issues. Our responsibility goes beyond complying with regulations; it’s about actively choosing to create a positive impact. For us, every chocolate bar we produce is an opportunity to uplift local farming communities, support sustainable practices, and contribute to a healthier planet.
Editor: That’s enlightening! You mentioned the importance of supporting farmers. How does Paccari ensure that the farmers who produce your chocolate are treated fairly?
Santiago Peralta: We are committed to direct trade, which means we engage directly with farmers, ensuring they receive fair prices. This approach not only supports their livelihoods but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration. We believe in empowering these farmers, allowing them to thrive while cultivating their lands sustainably.
Editor: It sounds like a win-win situation. While responsible consumption is essential, many consumers often feel overwhelmed by the choices available. How can they become more responsible shoppers?
Santiago Peralta: Great question! I encourage consumers to seek out products that are certified organic and prioritize transparency. Look for brands that share their sourcing stories, as this can help you understand the journey of the product. When you choose to buy sustainable products, you’re directly supporting communities that practice ethical farming, which leads to long-term environmental and economic benefits.
Editor: So, by making informed choices, consumers can have a direct impact on communities and the environment. Can you share some of the positive effects that responsible consumption can have?
Santiago Peralta: Certainly! Firstly, it supports producing communities by bolstering their local economies and improving their quality of life. Secondly, it reduces environmental impact through sustainable farming practices that preserve biodiversity and lower the carbon footprint. Thirdly, it enhances transparency, allowing consumers to trace where their food comes from. sustainable products are generally healthier, as they are free from harmful pesticides and chemical additives.
Editor: It sounds like each purchase can send ripples of positive change. As someone deeply involved in this space, how do you feel about the future of sustainability in the food industry?
Santiago Peralta: I’m optimistic. There is a growing awareness among consumers and producers about the importance of sustainability. Moreover, as regulations evolve and more businesses adopt ethical practices, we can expect to see a transformation in the industry. However, we all need to keep pushing for change and remain committed to our responsibilities.
Editor: Thank you, Santiago, for sharing your insights and the inspiring work Paccari is doing. It’s a reminder that our choices matter, and we can all contribute to a more sustainable world, one chocolate bar at a time.
Santiago Peralta: Thank you! Let’s continue to spread the message of sustainable and responsible consumption. Together, we can make a difference.
Editor: For our viewers, remember that every choice you make has power. Support brands that align with your values and promote sustainability. Thank you for tuning in, and until next time!