Shawn Askinosie makes 50th trip to meet farmers who grow cocoa beans used by company
The founder of Askinosie Chocolate just embarked on his 50th trip to meet with and work alongside the farmers who grow the cocoa beans used by the company.
Shawn Askinosie, a Springfield attorney who became a chocolatier, has been making the trips to different continents since 2006.
This latest trip was to Davao, Philippines. There, he met with farmers to inspect cocoa beans, share profits and work with the partners on community development initiatives.
“Each origin trip is a reaffirmation of our shared values and commitment to not just making exceptional chocolate, but also making a difference in the lives of our farmer partners and their communities," Askinosie said, according to a news release.
"As we celebrate this 50th journey, we are reminded that it’s not about the chocolate, it’s about the chocolate.”
The company based in Springfield is committed to direct trade, an approach that includes profit sharing with the farmers and support for the communities where they live.
Since 2006, the company has paid more than $1.4 million to farmers, including the cocoa bean purchases plus profit shares.
According to the company, it has paid farmers 45% above world market price, on average, and 35% above the fair trade price for the beans.
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As part of the partnership in the Philippines, the Askinosie Foundation works with teachers to create self-sustaining lunch programs for children, many of whom are undernourished.
A new initiative launched a year ago resulted in a school lunch program in a Davao kindergarten class. It marked the sixth nutrition program by the foundation in Tanzania or the Philippines.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Askinosie Chocolate founder marks 50th trip to meet cocoa bean farmers
