La Siembra Co-operative

How is it social?

We, the worker-owners of La Siembra Co-operative, are committed to a model of equitable trade rooted in co-operation and the social solidarity economy. We offer consumers high-quality ethical products through partnerships with producer co-operatives that foster sustainable livelihoods and community development. We believe in meaningful, dignified employment and are guided by the co-operative principles, by the fair trade principles, and by a respect for the environment.

All of our products are organic and fair trade certified.

What is its business model?

We have chosen to identify with our producer partners by adopting the same democratic, participatory and transparent model that they follow in their own co-operatives. We are a worker co-operative, which means that employees are also members-owners of the co-op and participate democratically in the operation of the company. Member-owners each have a vote in member meetings, are entitled to run for board elections and have the opportunity to participate in key organizational decisions.

The worker co-op model is an essential and effective element of a sustainable economy. This model also demonstrates that equitable business practices can help to build better communities for producers, investors, workers, and consumers alike.

Its history

La Siembra was established in 1999 by three young entrepreneurs in Ottawa. Having worked overseas, the founders of La Siembra experienced the exploitative nature of some trade on the lives of producers, and these three friends decided to provide Canadian consumers with an alternative to conventionally traded products. They bought a small mixing machine, convinced a few folks that they had a worthwhile idea and established a worker-owned co-operative.

As there was no fair trade certification system for cocoa-based products at that time, La Siembra’s founders adopted the guidelines of the Fair Trade Foundation. They began sourcing cocoa from a co-operative in Costa Rica and sugar from a mill supporting co-operative farmers in Paraguay. An organic recipe was developed and the founders began to manufacture and distribute a hot chocolate, sugar and cocoa line.

In 2002 La Siembra worked with TransFair Canada to develop a certification system for cocoa, chocolate and sugar products in Canada and became the first registered importers of Fair Trade Certified cocoa and sugar in North America.

Now, more than 10 years on, La Siembra offers more than 30 product lines to both retail and commercial customers and generates sales of more than $6 million each year. In the next four years, through greater investment in product diversification and increased partnerships with producer cooperatives, La Siembra aims to become Canada's Fair Trade Brand.

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