Changing the World with Chocolate
Those that know our story and us are familiar with our passion for using our delicious, transparently traded chocolate as a vehicle for change. It’s been our goal and our mission from the beginning – and for the sake of transparency and sharing some of what we’ve been up to behind the scenes, we put together this Impact Analysis.
We start with seeds of change
Colloquially, they’re called cacao beans, but they are the seeds of the cacao tree. And, while we are a small business, we do everything we can to make a positive impact in the world – in our community of Rochester, in our community of cacao growers and chocolate makers, and beyond.
Our impact analysis illustrates a lot of what we’ve been up to, and some of the ways we give back. We’re also in the midst of applying for BCorp certification. We’ll keep you updated on that process, but know that it’s our actions that matter, with or without a certification – and we are proud of our chocolate and all the good we are doing. We are a socially conscious business and wouldn’t have it any other way.
A few highlights
2022 was a year of growth, and a year of learning – as individuals and as a business. Also, we officially were certified as a Women Owned Business!
Did you know that when you shop with us, or join us for a chocolate experience, you support a women owned business, help sustain cacao farmers all over the world, and support local dollars in our economy? Here are other ways your support and your Laughing Gull Chocolates’ purchases make a difference:
– Every cacao bean used to make Laughing Gull Chocolates is sourced transparently, direct from farmer to cacao exporter.
– Through product sales, we donated over $4,000 to local Rochester organizations (Saving AJ, Willow Domestic Violence and Action for Education Equity), and over $1,000 nationally (The Afiya Center and The Trevor Project). Additionally, we were able to support a myriad of local organizations through in-kind chocolate donations.
– We contributed approximately 555 lbs of compost to our local compost organization.
– Our ingredient purchases through Moka supported planting 190 new trees in Cameroon.
One Cacao Nib at a Time
Our “Changing The World With Chocolate” tagline is serious business. We know we can only impact so much – but we do what we can through education, our sourcing, our packaging, and giving to organizations that make a difference.
We’re passionate about our mission, and truly changing the world with chocolate – and are confident that together, as a community, we can make a difference.
Thanks for being a part of this journey with us! We are excited for even more in 2023.
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