With the weather starting to cool off, who doesn't love cozying up with a piping hot cup of coffee or cocoa? Our little crew certainly has some big coffee lovers, and sometimes a bite of chocolate hits the spot like nothing else. But these two treats definitely call for doing some research behind the brands, because coffee and cocoa can have some major dark sides behind them.

It's no secret that both cocoa and coffee are often grown by underpaid communities and child laborers. Many people who spend their leaves growing and harvesting cocoa plants, working to create a luxury product that they will never be able to afford a taste of. Taking the time to learn about the sourcing and certifications behind large and small brands, and looking for companies that are transparent about their operations, goes a long way towards supporting communities that grow products sustainably and pay workers fairly, supporting positive economic growth.

The chocolate and coffee you'll find on our shelves comes from local creators who do just that, working to partner with small farms and sustainable growers. They're working to build a network that supports small business and community growth. And selfishly, we're glad it gives us to enjoy our favorite treats in a positive way!

COFFEEBAR

On the bags, along with the amazing art, Coffeebar states 'hand roasted, vertically sourced.' The roasting part is easy to understand (and now happens in Midtown, where you can grab a cup and enjoy the aroma), but vertical sourcing might not click immediately. That means that Coffeebar is involved in the entire sourcing process for their unroasted beans, often connecting directly with the farms and growers, and reducing the middleman. It allows them to support small communities that may not yet have a foothold in the established global markets, and to make human connections that fuel the soul.

They began their partnerships with remote communities such as La Suiza in Guatemala, and they now work with coffee growers and small farmers in four continents across the globe. You can find some of their delicious locally roasted blends on our shelves, and check out their website (or swing by one of their cafes!) to try a delicious single-origin brew.

DORINDA'S CHOCOLATES

Treat your sweet tooth with a chocolate bar that's crafted just up Wells Avenue! Dorinda's Chocolates. This shop, founded by Dorinda Vance, has been serving up indulgent treats crafted with ethical fairtrade ingredients for years. The small crew that runs their kitchens has a dedication to classic flavors and traditional techniques, and we've been fans of their creations for a long time. This year, we're stocking their delicious tasting bars, so you can get a sampling of some of their finest chocolates.

TANDEM CHOCOLATES

Phyllis, the fantastic human behind Tandem Chocolates, has been crafting sweet treats since she was a little girl. Her mother was a candy maker, and she grew up with sugary memories of helping out as her assistant. She went on to train at École Chocolat, and her talent, dedication and care shine through in each of her creations.

Part of her commitment to sustainable craft means using chocolate that is clearly traceable to its origins, so Phyllis can ensure she's partnering with ethical growers. Her goal is to create beautiful treats that uplift and support women-owned and family operated small businesses, while operating in a way that reduces impact on the planet.

This holiday season we'll be stocking her delicious drinking chocolate, chocolate sauce and caramel sauce for all your sweet treats. You can swing by her local shop to discover her artfully created one-of-a-kind bonbons!