Please introduce yourself – what is your role with Endangered Species Chocolate?

I’m Whitney Bembenick, Chief Revenue Officer at Endangered Species Chocolate (ESC). I’ve had the privilege of being part of this mission-driven brand for over 13 years, serving in a variety of roles that have shaped my deep connection to our purpose and strategy. Today, I lead our commercial and brand growth, ensuring our products not only delight consumers but also reflect our commitment to impact and integrity.

How would you describe the mission of ESC today?

At ESC, our mission is to seed joy through abundant giving. That joy comes from more than just delicious chocolate—it stems from knowing our business serves a greater purpose.

We live this mission through three guiding pillars:

Giving Forward – We donate 10% of net profits to support wildlife conservation and habitat preservation, helping protect the species that inspire our brand.

Sustainable Sourcing – Through our partnership with Fairtrade, we ensure our cocoa is ethically sourced, creating positive outcomes for farming communities and the environment.

Restorative Business Practices – We believe in doing good, better. That means embedding generosity, service, and care into every layer of our operations.

This mission is not just what we say—it’s how we operate. It’s how we create real, lasting impact while delivering premium, purpose-filled products.

With your years working in the industry, what excites you most about the world of chocolate?

Chocolate is inherently joyful—it's tied to celebration, comfort, and connection. But what excites me most is the opportunity to transform that joy into impact. At ESC, we’re creating indulgent products that people love, while advancing sustainability, equity, and conservation. It’s rare to work in a category where delight and purpose can intersect so powerfully—and that’s what drives me every day.

ESC has achieved 10 years of impact for cocoa farmers since you first certified your products in 2014. That’s amazing! How has Fairtrade contributed to ESC’s ethical sourcing goals over the last decade?

Fairtrade has been an essential partner in operationalizing our values. It’s one thing to commit to ethical sourcing—Fairtrade helps make that commitment real and accountable. Over the past decade, it has ensured that our cocoa is sourced in a way that protects human rights, promotes economic fairness, and supports resilient farming communities.

Fairtrade has enabled us to create long-term value not only for our consumers, but for the people and ecosystems behind every bar. It’s been a cornerstone in our ability to scale with integrity.

What advice would you share with leaders at a newer chocolate company trying to make a positive impact in the industry?

Start with clarity around your purpose. Your ‘why’ should inform every business decision—from your supply chain to your storytelling.

Don’t wait for scale to start doing good; build impact into your model from the beginning. Be transparent, be authentic, and partner with organizations—like Fairtrade—that help you stay true to your values. When you lead with integrity, consumers notice—and the impact becomes exponential.

What’s next for ESC? Where do you see the company in the next 10 years?

Our next chapter is about scaling purpose alongside performance. We see enormous opportunity to bring our chocolate—and our mission—to more consumers, more markets, and more moments of joy.

That growth will be grounded in deepening our sustainability efforts, pushing the boundaries of innovation, and expanding our partnerships with conservation and sourcing communities. We’re committed to being a category leader in demonstrating that business success and social good are not mutually exclusive—but in fact, mutually reinforcing.

Do you have any Fairtrade hopes and dreams?

Absolutely. While all of our products are already Fairtrade certified, we’re excited to build on that foundation. We’re exploring opportunities to develop more direct partnerships with cocoa farming communities, enhance transparency across our supply chain, and invest in long-term impact projects that align with Fairtrade’s mission.

We’re also eager to collaborate with other purpose-led brands in the Fairtrade ecosystem—to amplify awareness and drive systemic change across the industry. There's incredible potential in what we can accomplish together.

What’s your favorite ESC bar of the last decade?

That’s a tough choice—but if I had to pick, I’d say our 60% Dark Chocolate filled with Raspberry Jam. The flavor combination is bright, tart, sweet and has a luscious appeal.

"It’s one thing to commit to ethical sourcing—Fairtrade helps make that commitment real and accountable."

- Whitney Bembenick, Chief Revenue Officer of Endangered Species Chocolate