How do we know our goods are fairly traded?

We are members of Fair Trade Network UK (formerly BAFTS).

We know our goods are fairly traded as they carry a mark or are bought from fair trade companies:

  • Fairtrade mark or

  • Fair for Life mark or

  • from other members of Fair Trade Network UK (BAFTS) or

  • from members of the WFTO

Fair Trade or Fairtrade?

Fair Trade

The World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO) oversees the accreditation and regulation of large scale Fair Trade organisations, to which smaller groups belong. Essentially, Fair Trade deals with the way products are made, and is measured against the 10 principles of Fair Trade (see below).

​WFTO describes Fair Trade as “a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect that seeks gender equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalised producers and workers—especially in the Global South.”


Fairtrade

Fairtrade International (FLO) sets Fairtrade accreditation and you may have seen their Mark on many products. Fairtrade deals with raw materials or ingredients and how they have been farmed, mined or harvested such as tea, coffee, sugar, cocoa, bananas, flowers, cotton, wine and even gold. For a product to receive the Fairtrade Mark, all the ingredients which can be Fairtrade must be.

The standards set by FLO ensure things like safe working conditions, no child labour and bans on the use of dangerous chemicals. They also guarantee that the farmer receives the Fairtrade Minimum Price—enough to cover the costs of production—and an additional Fairtrade Premium to be invested in their business or in community projects of their choice, decided by the local community, anything from buying buses/bicycles to building schools and clinics.

This way, Fairtrade not only benefits the producers receiving better prices directly, but also their families and communities. It is a radically inclusive and community-focused approach to trade that seeks to help as many people as possible, rather than creating competitive and individualistic models of business.

10 Principles of Fair Trade in Brief

WFTO (World Fair Trade Organisation)

  • 1 - Opportunities for Disadvantaged Producers

  • 2 - Transparency and Accountability

  • 3 - Fair Trade Practices

  • 4 - Fair Payment

  • 5 - Ensuring no Child Labour or Forced Labour

  • 6 - Commitment to Non-Discrimination, Gender Equity and Women's Economic Empowerment, and Freedom of Association

  • 7 - Good Working Conditions

  • 8 - Capacity Building

  • 9 - Promotion of Fair Trade

  • 10 - Respect for the environment

    For the 10 Principles in full please see:

    https://wfto.com/our-fair-trade-system#10-principles-of-fair-trade