Many of us, while shopping, had a product with the word "Fair Trade" on the label in our hands. However, are we as consumers aware of what this means and what great initiative is behind such a label?
The idea of "fair trade"
"Fair Trade" is the idea of an international trade partnership based on dialogue, transparency and mutual respect. The underlying goal is to strive for greater equality in international trade.
Fair Trade is sometimes referred to as the "new ethics of the economy" because it contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions and protecting the rights of marginalized producers and workers - especially in poor regions and Third World countries.
To put it briefly, labeling a product with the "Fair Trade" logo means that its producer received a fair price for it, and the product itself was subject to strict quality control at every stage of its production.
The human dimension of business
The Fair Trade organization has set itself the goal of putting people ahead of profit and wild capitalism. "Fair Trade" activists also place great emphasis on respecting the natural environment, promoting traditional, natural and ecological production methods, as well as creating better working conditions (and thus - the entire existence) for people who depend on agricultural crops or the production of such objects. like toys or jewelry.
The activities of the Fair Trade Organization are based on several basic assumptions. Among them we can distinguish:
- Fair price - a decent payment for work, taking into account local conditions and production costs,
- Fair trade relations - procedures aimed at improving the purchase-payment process,
- Appropriate employment conditions - safe working conditions and humane employment rules,
- Democratic management - and, above all, managing the company taking into account the will and comments of employees,
- Increasing consumer awareness.
Fair Trade organizations are actively involved not only in supporting producers, but also in numerous awareness-raising campaigns and efforts to change inhumane rules and practices in international trade.
In the West, the idea of "Fair Trade" has been present for over 60 years and has a strong position, both on the goods market and in the minds of consumers. In Poland, "Fair Trade" is still less recognizable, but changes can be noticed slowly. They are related not only to the increasing activities undertaken by the "Fair Trade" organizations, but also to the growing awareness of Polish consumers.
What products are "Fair Trade"?
Without a doubt, the most popular and most recognizable "Fair Trade" products are sweets (mainly chocolate), coffee, tea and bananas.
The list of products manufactured in compliance with the principles of "Fair Trade", however, is constantly expanding. Currently, we can also easily find "fairly produced" oils, fresh and dried fruits, juices, cereals, nuts, vegetables, spices, and even ... balls and other utensils.
Why is it worth investing in "Fair Trade" products?
Why is it worth choosing Fair Trade products when completing your product offer? The reason is not only the growing awareness of consumers (which in Poland is becoming even "fashionable"). By making a choice, you can support a significant work on a global scale and have the guarantee that we choose really quality products.
First of all, by purchasing "Fair Trade" articles, we support the idea of enabling companies from the Third World countries to function in a decent way and to develop. This translates directly into the improvement of the living and working conditions of the inhabitants of these areas and a guarantee that they will receive a fair payment for their work. The aforementioned ecological aspect is also important - all "Fair Trade" products are produced in a way that is compatible with nature, without chemicals, harmful substitutes, fillers or genetically modified ingredients.
Do you want to place an order for sweets and ecological food products of the highest quality? Contact us and we will prepare the best offer on the market!