What is Fair Trade?
The Fair Trade Federation defines fair trade as a system of exchange that seeks to create greater equity and partnership in international trading system by:
- Paying fair wages in local context;
- Supporting participatory workplaces;
- Ensuring environmental sustainability;
- Supplying financial and technical support;
- Offering public accountability;
- Respecting cultural identity;
- Building direct and long-term relationships; and,
- Educating consumers.
Fair Trade Products
The most widely available fair trade products include coffee, chocolate, sugar, fruit, and flowers. Purchase of these products supports sustainable development, responsible business practices and empowerment of producers in the communities where these items are produced.
Fair Trade Certification
UNFI distributes hundreds of certified fair trade products, including products from Alter Eco, Ambassador Tea, Cafe Altura, Choice Organic Tea, Dr. Bronner's, Equal Exchange, Frontier Herbs, Guayaki, Numi Tea, Theo Chocolate, Wholesome Sweeteners, Woodstock Farms and many others. There are a number of third-party certifiers for Fair Trade products. Look for certification information on the product's label.
For a complete list of products, UNFI customers may log into the customer website and search for “Fair Trade”.
Fair Trade Resources
Fair Trade is an international movement involving many countries and organizations. Here are a few useful resources:
TransFair
www.fairtradecertified.org
The Fair Trade Resource Network
http://www.fairtraderesource.org/
Fair Trade Labeling Organizations
http://www.fairtrade.net/
Fair Trade Federation
http://www.fairtradefederation.org/
FLO-Cert
http://www.flo-cert.net