• 100% of cocoa in Feastables chocolate is becoming Fairtrade certified
• The global chocolate brand and its founder MrBeast believes ethical sourcing is a critical step in the quest to end child labor in West Africa

The world’s biggest YouTube star, MrBeast, has been praised by the Fairtrade movement for using Fairtrade cocoa in his hugely successful chocolate brand Feastables.

The YouTuber, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, believes the ethical sourcing of ingredients in his chocolate bars – which will be in Irish shops over the coming months - is an important step in trying to end child labor in West Africa.

“We created Feastables, and we're going to use the incredible network of our fans to change the way business is done in cacao-growing regions around the world.

“I know we can create chocolate that people can afford and that also pays farmers fairly, so kids don't have to work."

Fairtrade Ireland welcomed the move by the YouTube sensation which they said will help some of the nearly six million people who rely on cocoa farming to make a living at often less than $1 (USD) per day. “We applaud this move by MrBeast which will see 100 percent of its cocoa for Feastables bars sourced from Fairtrade certified cooperatives. “The certification ensures Feastables chocolate is produced in line with the rigorous economic, social, and environment sustainability standards the Fairtrade label is known for.

This helps protect the livelihoods of cocoa farmers, farm workers, and their families. Mr Gaynor, and his Fairtrade partners in Fairtrade America and Fairtrade Africa who worked closely with MrBeast - said that by partnering with Fairtrade, Feastables is leading the industry by example.

They said Feastables also ensures farmers get the “Fairtrade Living Income Reference Price” which will help cocoa growers invest in sustainable production and support a fair living for themselves and their families. Fairtrade organisations say that 71 percent of shoppers recognise the Fairtrade trade mark and that 86 percent trust it.

They said that Fairtrade works with over two million farmers and workers in 70 countries around the world.

"It is an absolute honor for Feastables to be working with Fairtrade and for all of our chocolate packaging to include the esteemed Fairtrade certification," said Chief Executive, Feastables, Alex Zigliara.

"Simply put – Fairtrade is the most relied upon standard and source for those looking to buy products that are ethically and sustainably sourced.

“We know this is meaningful for our customers and helps us to achieve our central purpose of getting children off working farms and into schools."