Yesterday, we had a visit from Ecocert Canada auditors for our annual inspection. It is always a nervous moment for the team because despite all the attention we pay to the production management framework, an inventory error, a missing invoice or a certificate from Central America without Canadian compliance can occur.
It went very well and we got a mention for our organization. I was very happy.
But here the auditors' visit coincided with the publication of several people on social media who spoke negatively about organic certification in the chocolate world. I like to listen and discuss with people who have opposing opinions, but I find that a strange trend is taking more and more place.
Because in the world of chocolate, we see more and more speeches that praise the merits of "natural", "eco-responsible" or even "organic by default" products. These words resonate well, especially today, in a market where consumers are increasingly attentive to environmental and social values. But let's be clear: when it comes to organic products, using these words without certification is playing with consumer trust.
So I want to address this trend of using the label "organic" without going through the certification process. Some chocolate manufacturers go so far as to say that their ingredients are organic, or "almost," without their finished product being officially certified. And to me, this type of talk is not only an intellectual shortcut, but also a form of deception towards customers.
Why is organic certification so important?
Organic certification is not just a sticker that you put on a package to make it look pretty. It is a verifiable commitment to agricultural and production practices that respect the environment, the health of consumers, and producers. For our part, through our work in chocolate manufacturing, we have chosen to obtain this certification, and it is not by chance.
Organic certification imposes strict rules, whether in the choice of ingredients, in the production methods or in the transformation processes. It assures consumers that each step, from the cultivation of the bean to the chocolate bar they taste, has been carried out in compliance with organic standards. And contrary to what some say, it is not a process that ruins the company. It is an investment, certainly, but an investment that is worth it to guarantee transparency and quality.
The “organic by default” excuse
You may have heard that some cocoa farmers, especially in the countries of origin, grow their beans without synthetic pesticides simply because they can't afford to buy them. So, by definition, their cocoa would be "organic". That's true in a sense, but does that guarantee an organic finished product? Absolutely not.
For a product to be truly certified organic, it is not enough to be “natural.” It must be proven, documented, and controlled that every step of production meets the strict standards imposed by the certifications. This includes not only the cultivation of raw materials, but also transportation, processing, and even packaging. Without certification, there is no guarantee that these standards have been met throughout the process.
Claiming that a product is organic without certification is like saying that a car is safe without passing safety tests. You may feel that way, but you don't have the proof.
When talk replaces commitment
A troubling trend I have observed in the chocolate industry is manufacturers touting the organic origin of their ingredients without bothering to get certification for their own finished product. They use the term “organic” as a marketing ploy, relying solely on the certifications of cocoa farmers, without going through the rigor of the certification process themselves.
This allows them to project a virtuous image without making a full commitment. By bypassing certification, they avoid controls, audits, and the associated costs, while benefiting from the prestige of the organic label by including it in the ingredients. It is a way of benefiting from the aura of the appellation without assuming responsibility for it.
Personally, I find this problematic. Here, we have chosen to respect transparency towards our customers by going through all the certification steps. We believe that organic should not be a simple marketing tool, but a real commitment.
Certification: a guarantee of trust
Beyond the issue of integrity, organic certification is proof of traceability. When you buy a certified organic product, you can be sure that every step of its production has been verified by an independent third party. This provides complete transparency and ensures that the product meets strict standards.
This traceability is all the more important in the chocolate industry, where raw materials go through several stages, countries, and intermediaries before arriving in our workshops. Without certification, it is impossible to know whether organic standards have been respected throughout the supply chain.
Certifications cost money, of course. But this investment is a testament to our commitment to our customers. Organic certification is more than a logo on a label. It represents choices, effort, and a promise.
What you, consumers, can do
Choosing to consume organic goes beyond a simple trend. When you choose truly certified products, you support agricultural and production practices that respect the environment and producers. You also encourage companies that choose transparency and integrity.
If you see a product that claims to be "made with organic ingredients" without being certified itself, ask yourself: why didn't the manufacturer make the effort to obtain certification? Is it due to a lack of resources? A desire to avoid administrative constraints? Or is it simply a marketing strategy?
Certification: a choice that speaks volumes
I firmly believe that organic certification is not a box to check, but a sincere commitment to sustainable practices. Every chocolate we produce meets strict, verified standards, and we are proud to be able to offer our customers a product they can be confident in.
Our choice of certification was not motivated by a fashion, but by our values. We believe that transparency and integrity are essential in our relationship with our customers. We believe that each bar of Chaleur B chocolate, each batch of Bassan that will be used by a chef, must be more than just a taste pleasure; it must reflect responsible practices.
So, to those who denigrate organic certification under the pretext that it is “not worth it” or that they are “above all that”, let me say this: it is easy to claim to be virtuous when you do not go through the same requirements. It is convenient to play the rebel and reject certification while giving yourself the air of a committed craftsman. But if you are not ready to get your hands dirty and respect the standards that certification imposes, do not pretend that you are doing better. Because in reality, all you are doing is saving yourself the work, the rigor and the transparency that true craftsmen commit to offer.
For us, certification is not a marketing gimmick or a simple sales pitch. It is a promise – and we keep this promise at every step, from raw cocoa to the chocolate in your hands. We do not hide behind empty words. We are certified because we believe in transparency, authenticity and respect for our customers.
So the next time you come across a product that plays the "natural" or "almost organic" card, ask yourself: is it a real approach or just an illusion of virtue? With Chaleur B and Bassan Chocolat, we don't sell you words. We sell you something real, certified, and respectful - and that's the difference.
Dany Marquis
NB: I would like to thank our valued cocoa producer partners, who are fully committed to the transparency chain, supported by external and independent audits. It would be easier for them to claim that they are "organic" without submitting to the rigor of certification, but they have chosen to fully embrace this approach. We must highlight this commitment, unlike those who decry this process as useless.
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