What Fairtrade does

Fairtrade works with farming co-operatives, businesses and governments to make trade fairer.

Together with Fairtrade farmers and workers we have a vision: a world in which trade is based on fairness so that producers earn secure and sustainable livelihoods.

Fairtrade has a network of dedicated supporters who help to raise awareness of the issues of unfair trade and fundraise to support us in our work. Find out more in Get Involved.

Fairtrade sets standards

Fairtrade sets social, economic and environmental standards for the companies and farmers involved in the supply chain.

For farmers and workers the standards include protection of workers’ rights and the environment, for companies they include the payment of the Fairtrade Minimum Price safety net and an additional Fairtrade Premium. Read more about the Fairtrade Premium.

Fairtrade certifies products and ingredients

FLOCERT, an independent organisation, checks that the Fairtrade Standards have been met by the farmers, workers and companies that are part of the product supply chains. In order to reassure consumers that this has happened, we license the use of the FAIRTRADE Mark on products and packaging to signal the standards have been met. When all the ingredients that can be Fairtrade are, the product carries this mark:

The Fairtrade Mark that shows on pack

Companies can choose to source only one ingredient on Fairtrade terms for their ranges, in which case products may carry a mark similar to one of the below: 

Fairtrade sourcing program mark

Visit our buying Fairtrade pages to discover some of the products that are available.

Fairtrade works with companies’ own schemes

Shopper demand has driven companies to start thinking about sustainability. When considering whether to partner in some way with a business-own sustainability scheme, Fairtrade compares the way the scheme works to a set of core Fairtrade principles. This is to ensure we only work with schemes that share our values. These principles are at the heart of Fairtrade’s mission and activities, and include ensuring that farmers and workers are paid a fair price, working to support strong, flourishing producer organisations and enabling democratic decision-making by farmers and workers on their business and community development. Find out more about Fairtrade Partnerships.

Fairtrade lobbies government

We mobilise our grassroots supporter base to demand fairer trade deals for farmers who supply us with so much of our food. See our current campaigns and find out how you can lend your support.

Fairtrade works directly with farmers and workers

With our Fairtrade partners, we support on specific issues, from Bolivian coffee farmers tackling the plant diseases linked to climate change, to cocoa-growing communities creating the Women’s School of Leadership in Côte d’Ivoire. Read more about the Women’s School of Leadership.

Fairtrade drives awareness with the public

Through our Fairtrade Towns, Schools and Faith groups, and through our campaigns, we drive awareness of the issues of unfair trade and ask the public to choose Fairtrade. See how you can get involved in your community.