Direct sourcing of cocoa is the only guaranteed transparent approach to chocolate production. Unlike so-called “fair trade”, where ethical standards are hard to monitor and effectiveness easy to scrutinize, direct sourcing establishes a personal relationship between the cacao farmer and the chocolate producer, ensuring only one or two steps between the farm and the final product. This relationship guarantees higher quality cacao, fair and full compensation for farmers, and provides producers with in-depth knowledge of their raw materials.