The dark side of conventional chocolate.
The United States is the world’s largest importer of cocoa products by far, consuming annually more than three billion pounds of chocolate. Much of that is consumed around Valentine’s Day every year. Sadly more than 70% of the cocoa products we consume are produced in the Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Cameroon, where child slave trafficking has been well-documented in the cocoa farms of the world’s largest chocolate corporations. All Valentine’s Day gift bags that we sell include Fair Trade chocolate from Divine Chocolate and Equal Exchange. Fair Trade chocolate is free from child labor. The adults who pick cocoa beans for Fair Trade farms are paid fair wages and often provided with health care and schooling for their children.

Fair Trade Wine Reccomendations
Co-op America has a great article talking about the new world of Fair Trade wines. If you are thinking of treating a loved one to a bottle (or two) of wine this month have a read before you do! While we don’t offer Fair Trade Wines (yet!) we do have a very cool metal and recycled glass wine holder form Ghana to dress up your dining table. From the article: “If your Valentine’s Day plans include romance over a bottle of wine, here’s something to consider before you pop the cork. Most of the wine produced in the Global South and sold in the US comes from vineyards where growers are paid poverty wages for their work and are exposed to dangerous pesticides But there is good news, for the first time Fair Trade certified wine is available to consumers in the US.” Click here to continue reading and see what Fiar Trade wines the Co-op America reccomends.

Valentine’s Gift Baskets
The perfect Fair Trade present all ready to go! Our Valentine’s Day gift bags include gifts made by people treated with love and respect making them better for any occasion and especially Valentine’s Day. And if a gift bag isn’t your thing we’ve got dozens of great alternative gift options including jewelry, purses and bath and body products.

Let’s Party!
Just wanted to remind you again that we’ll soon be throwing Two Hands Worldshop GIFT (Get Into Fair Trade) Parties. If you are in the Midwest sign up to receive information on hosting your own GIFT Party. These parties are a great way to share good times and Fair Trade with your friends. Enjoy coffee and chocolates as you learn about Fair Trade, talented artisan groups and the beautiful products available. We have Fair Trade wine and recipe reccomendations available as well. Your party can be anything from coffee, to cocktails, to dinner, the choice is yours! Invite friends, organize a church or office gathering or bring some fun to your next family get together.

What’s New
Two Hands Worldshop has been expanding our great products, including a new kitchen, snack and card category. Check out What’s New and be sure not to miss anything.

Thank you for spporting Fair Trade! To show our appreciation of your business please accept a 15% discount on your next purchase from Two Hands Worldshop. Use code FTGIFT during checkout. Just click over to the shop to redeem!