Ben Conard // Founder and CEO of Five North Chocolate

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As an advocate for fair trade, Ben has worked with businesses and organizations locally, nationally, and internationally to drive positive economic impact to marginalized farmers, artisans, and producers in the developing world. For his work in the movement, Fairtrade International named Ben one of 2016’s Top 10 Biggest Fair Trade Advocates in the World and #1 in the U.S. His passion for fair trade has taken him on the TEDx stage and on-the-ground to fair trade farms in Ecuador and artisan workshops in India.

Dedicated to great taste, consumer health, and sustainable sourcing, he founded Five North Chocolate®, an award winning, Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® supporting cacao farmers around the world by creating deliciously nutritious, Fair Trade Certified™ chocolate snacks. Five North is proud to celebrate diversity and is the first brand ever to feature the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce seal on a packaged good. Ben has shared his chocolate with President Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, and famous designer + philanthropist Donna Karan.

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