Fairtrade

What does Fairtrade stand for?

The Fairtrade Foundation is a charity which awards its stamp of approval – the Fairtrade mark – to goods that meet its international production standards.

The FAIRTRADE Mark is the one independent consumer guarantee that goods on sale in mainstream shops have been fairly traded.

What is Fairtrade?

Small producers must be part of a democratically run co-operative demonstrating sustainable farming methods, and workers must be paid decent wages, have the right to join a trade union and be protected by the minimum health and safety standards. Forced or child labour is forbidden.

Fairtrade itself doesn’t buy or sell goods, instead it fixes the price, in consultation with producers, which covers the cost of sustainable production, plus raises a premium that’s then invested in social, environmental or economic projects.

Traders who buy Fairtrade goods must sign a contract which allows for long-term planning by the producers. The overall result gives producers a better price for their goods and means that they can plan a future based on secure trading terms.

So is the Fairtrade mark any guarantee of Quality?

In theory no. But PERCOL, is the award-winning ethical and environmental coffee brand. Winner of two awards at the Organic Food Awards, and the Great Taste Awards in 2002/2003.

Are Fairtrade products more expensive?

Fairtrade products are a little more expensive than some. Cutting out the profits of the middle men give producers the chance to build a better life and many shoppers appreciate that.

The extra premium money that Fairtrade charges is used to develop the businesses, and to provide items such as drinking water or street lighting that benefits the whole community.