Certifying Fair Trade Products
Consumer Demand for Fair Trade Certified Products
TransFair USA is the only independent, non-profit certifier of Fair Trade products in the United States. When you sell Fair Trade Certified™ products, you’re supporting sustainable and equitable business practices worldwide: Fair Trade certification empowers farmers and farm workers to lift themselves out of poverty by investing in their farms and communities and developing the business skills necessary to compete in the global marketplace.
Looking for the Label
The Fair Trade Certified label provides a simple way for consumers to know that the products they buy were produced under socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable conditions that were confirmed by an independent third-party organization. Without a Fair Trade Certified label, claims about fair trade status cannot be guaranteed; many savvy consumers look for authentic certification labels when making purchases. When your customers see the Fair Trade Certified label on coffee, chocolate, cocoa, tea, sugar, vanilla, honey, fruit, ice cream, and body care products, they can be confident that every step from producer to store shelf has met internationally established standards for Fair Trade.
Meet Consumer Demand for Socially Responsible Products
The National Coffee Association (NCA) reports that consumer awareness of Fair Trade has grown by an average of 33% every year since 2003. Most notably, this population demonstrates a high purchase conversion rate: 56% of people who are aware of Fair Trade also purchase it. The Just-Food Global Market Review reports that the US market for Fair Trade products has surpassed $730 million and is growing more than 50% annually. By 2012, the US retail value of Fair Trade products is projected to exceed $2.25 billion.
By carrying Fair Trade Certified products, retailers offer their customers an opportunity to join the growing trend toward social responsibility through purchasing. In fact, a recent study conducted by the Hartman Research Group found that 73% of U.S. consumers believe their purchases have a significant impact on society, and are willing to pay a premium for sustainable products. According to the 2007 Cone Cause Evolution Survey, fully two-thirds of Americans consider a company's business practices when deciding what to buy. Moreover, these consumers may refuse to purchase products that don't stand for a cause.
Marketing Fair Trade Certified Products
UNFI distributes hundreds of Fair Trade Certified products. TransFair USA offers a full line of free POS Fair Trade promotional materials.
Visit www.fairtradecertified.org for more information; to order materials, visit: http://www.transfairusa.org/content/resources/order_form.php.