What is fair-trade?

The Fairtrade movement was born of a recognition that many people in the Developing World are poor not because they do not produce, but because of poor access and unfair trade, the price they get for their crop does not cover the cost of production.

"A bag of coffee bought for US$50 in the Developing World can retail in Irish coffee shops for between US$15,000 and $20,000"

Development agencies recognised the important role that CONSUMERS could play to change this situation. By buying directly from farmers at better prices, helping to strengthen their organizations, and marketing their produce directly through their shops and catalogues, consumers are offered the opportunity to buy products which were bought on the basis of a Fairtrade.

When food manufacturers buy from registered suppliers according to a fairtrade criteria their products can carry the fairtrade seal of approval, the FAIRTRADE Mark
 
There are 171 Fairtrade-certified producer organisations in 23 countries throughout the world.
The FAIRTRADE Mark product range now includes coffee, tea, and cocoa, drinking chocolate, chocolate bars, orange and tropical juices, honey, sugar, biscuits, snack bars and bananas. Speciality Christmas products are also available.

Internationally sales of Fairtrade products are growing at about 40% a year. This growth in Fairtrade is driven by consumers wanting to make a difference and by businesses responding to the pressure.