Fairtrade Standards

All Global Cafe Direct products are manufactured in accordance with the IFTA standards.

The International Federation for Alternative Trade's (IFAT) definition of Fairtrade is:

Fairtrade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalised producers. Fairtrade organisations are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.'

The goals of Fairtrade are:

  1. To improve the livelihoods and well being of producers by improving market access, strengthening the producer organisations, paying a better price and providing continuity in the trading relationship.
  2. To promote development opportunities for disadvantaged producers, especially women and indigenous people, and to protect people from exploitation in the production process.
  3. To help consumers exercise their purchasing power positively, by raising their awareness of the negative effects of international trade on producers.
  4. To set an example of partnership in trade through dialogue, transparency and respect.
  5. To campaign for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade.
  6. To protect human rights by promoting social justice, sound environmental practices and economic security.

Source: International Federation for Alternative Trade - www.ifat.org

Fairtrade: Explained

  • Fairtrade coffee is bought directly from farmers' organisations at a guaranteed price. By bypassing the international commodity market and buying direct from farmers' associations or co-operatives, Fair trade enables farmers to get a greater share of the rewards for their labour.

  • Producers must register with the international Fairtrade association and prove that they do not exploit people, or use child labour in its production.

  • For coffee, Fair trade standards criteria establish a minimum guaranteed price that covers the cost of production and ensures a living wage for growers. The set Fairtrade price is always the minimum price paid but rises in line with market prices if they rise above the minimum Fairtrade price.

  • In addition to the purchase price paid by importers, a separate payment is made which is designated for social and economic development in the producing communities. The farmers and growers themselves decide how these funds are to be spent. As part of the Fairtrade standards, registered producers are accountable to FLO for the use of this money. It is generally used for improvements in health, education or other social facilities, although it may also be used for certain development projects to enable growers to improve productivity or reduce their reliance on single commodities.

  • In order to ensure the integrity of Fairtrade products from producer to consumer, every company in the supply chain participates in the FLO system; Coffex has become a registered Fairtrade licensee and purchases green beans from H.A.Bennett, which is a registered Fairtrade importer.

  • All Fairtrade products must show the Fairtrade logo clearly and visibly on the packaging; if there is no logo, then it's not Fairtrade!

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