Fairtrade Coffee Explained

Find out more about Fairtrade coffee, organic coffee farming and creating a sustainable future for all

Sustainable growth has become increasingly popular in recent times. Many companies, brands and individuals are becoming more concerned about what modern-day consumerism is doing to our planet.

When thinking about sustainability, most people associate it with recycling and reducing waste. However, sustainability is a broad term that covers many topics, from travel and recycling, right down to the coffee beans sitting in your cupboard!

It doesn’t stop there.

The UN has listed 17 sustainable development goals that must be achieved by 2030, in order to create a more sustainable future for all.

Poverty and hunger are two of the many pressing issues that face our planet and combating these issues is a top priority for sustainable development.

The rest of this article will talk about what fair trade coffee is and how the Fairtrade Foundation can help make the coffee industry more sustainable.

The Fairtrade Foundation explained

Do you recognise this logo?

This is the official Fairtrade logo, which is often found on many local supermarket products such as, coffee, chocolate and fruit.

The Fairtrade Foundation has been running for over 25 years, with the aim to create more sustainable trading standards among farmers and traders throughout developing countries. This is done by offering fair pay and creating decent working conditions for those involved in the Fairtrade system.

Many companies aim to make their brand more ethical and sustainable, however, the Fairtrade Foundation actively make these goals a reality with their certified logo for brands to use.

Companies that are involved in the Fairtrade system are increasing sustainability and transparency within their supply chain. They are promoting decent working environments and better pay for farmers and workers involved in supplying produce.

But how much do you really know about Fairtrade coffee?

Fairtrade in the coffee industry

Coffee plays an important role in today’s economy. Capital.com has mentioned that it is one of the most traded commodities in the world (if you drink it as much as we do, then this might not come as much of a surprise to you).

A vast majority of coffee products are imported from developing countries.

Globalisation has grown, creating more room for international trade. So, it can be difficult to know where coffee beans have come from and what happens along the supply chain before they end up in our mugs!

This is why fair trade and transparency within brands is important.

Fairtrade and organic coffee farming offers many benefits that contribute towards a sustainable coffee industry. According to Owens Coffee, many of the organically sourced coffee produce is often Fairtrade certified as well.

How does Fairtrade help coffee farmers and traders?

Growing coffee through the Fairtrade scheme allows all parties involved to contribute towards a sustainable coffee trading industry.

Fairtrade can offer coffee farmers and workers a better standard of living, by providing them with better income and security.

The Fairtrade Minimum Price means that workers are less vulnerable to being exploited and losing money when stock margins drop.

Where to Buy Fairtrade Coffee:

M&S, CO-OP, SOHO Coffee Co and many other suppliers have supported Fairtrade and sustainable prices.

Visit Fairtrade for a full list of retailers and dining outlets that support fair priced coffee production.