Halloween isn't fun for everyone

Halloween has become an increasingly popular celebration around the world. In Australia, with one in five Aussies planning to get involved this year. Australians are expected to spend $450 million on costumes, decorations, and treats this year, with retailers eager to capitalise on the seasonal excitement.

But as we enjoy the fun of the holiday, it’s important to remember that for many, Halloween is not a time of celebration.

The Trick of Halloween

Halloween is seen as a time for fun, especially for children who enjoy dressing up and going door-to-door for chocolate and other treats. However, for children working on cocoa farms in West Africa, there is no such joy. These 1.5 million children spend their days in dangerous conditions, working long hours instead of going to school. Their education and childhood are sacrificed to produce cocoa, the key ingredient in many of the chocolate bars we hand out during Halloween.

But why are so many children on cocoa farms? The issue is deeply rooted in poverty and a lack of economic opportunities. Many of these children come from families that rely on cocoa farming as their primary source of income, and with farmers earning far less than a living income, children are often seen as an additional source of labour to help make ends meet. Living Income is the net annual income required for a household in a particular place to afford a decent standard of living for all members of that household. Elements of a decent standard of living include food, water, housing, education, health care, transport, clothing, and other essential needs including provision for unexpected events (Living Income Community of Practice 2020). 

In Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, the world’s top cocoa producers, over 40% of the population lives in poverty. This economic hardship forces many families to put their children to work instead of sending them to school. In fact, studies have shown that in Ghana alone, 55% of children living in cocoa-growing areas are engaged in child labour.

The problem is exacerbated by the high demand for cheap cocoa, which pushes farmers to cut costs wherever possible, often at the expense of their children’s well-being. With little regulation and limited access to education in rural areas, these children are trapped in a cycle of labour, missing out on the opportunity for a better future. The harsh reality is that their labour helps drive an industry that generates billions of dollars in profits, yet their families remain impoverished, and their futures are at risk.

Efforts to address child labour in cocoa farming have been slow and inconsistent. In 2001, major chocolate companies pledged to eliminate child labour from their supply chains, yet over two decades later, the problem persists on a large scale. The promises made have not yet materialised into meaningful change for the children who are still toiling on farms, their lives defined by work instead of play and education.

The Treat of Halloween

But it doesn’t have to be this way. We believe in a future where all children have access to education and farmers are paid a decent income for their work. Childhood is a time meant for learning and play, not for labouring in hazardous conditions. Every child deserves the chance to attend school and build a future for themselves, and every farmer deserves fair compensation for their hard work, enabling them to provide for their families.

We can move toward this future by supporting companies that invest in the well-being of the farmers who grow cocoa. These companies recognise that paying a living wage not only helps families but also keeps children in school and out of the fields. By choosing responsible brands, we can support sustainable cocoa farming practices that protect both communities and the environment.

Use the Chocolate Scorecard to Make Better Choices This Halloween

This Halloween, you have the power to make a difference by making informed choices about the chocolate you buy. The Chocolate Scorecard is a valuable tool that ranks companies based on their commitment to ending child labour and ensuring farmers receive a living income. The scorecard helps you see which brands are taking real steps toward creating a more sustainable and accountable cocoa industry.

Before you stock up on Halloween treats, check the Chocolate Scorecard to support companies that align with your values. By choosing brands that prioritise responsible sourcing, you can help make Halloween a little sweeter for the farmers and children who depend on the cocoa industry.

Additionally, staying informed is crucial. By signing up for our newsletter, you’ll receive updates on how your chocolate choices can continue to drive positive change in the industry. Every purchase you make has the potential to support better practices and create a brighter future for those who need it most.

Halloween is a time of joy and celebration for many, but it’s important to remember that the chocolate we enjoy often comes at a high cost for farmers and children in cocoa-producing countries. By making better choices, we can ensure that Halloween is fun for everyone—not just for those who get to enjoy the sweets but for the people who make them possible. Use the Chocolate Scorecard this season and help turn the trick of exploitation into a treat for everyone.