The FAIRTRADE Mark is an independent consumer
label, which appears on products as a guarantee that disadvantaged
producers are getting a better deal.
Today, more than 7.5 million people - farmers, workers and
their families - across 59 developing countries benefit from the
international Fairtrade system.
The FAIRTRADE Mark is unique: it guarantees farmers in developing
countries a fair price for their products which covers
the costs of sustainable production. Because this price is
stable it allows them to plan for their future. The rules and
practices of international trade are biased in favour of rich
countries and powerful companies, often to the cost of poor
producers.
As well as providing the framework for socially responsible
production and trade, Fairtrade Standards support the social,
economic and environmental development of disadvantaged and
marginalized small-scale farmers and plantation workers. To meet
the standards, farmers’ organisations must have a democratic
structure and transparent administration that enables effective
control by their members. Plantations and estates must meet
internationally recognised employment standards based on core
International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions. These include
paying workers decent wages, guaranteeing the right to join a trade
union, freedom from discrimination, health and safety standards,
and the provision of adequate housing and other social provisions
where relevant.
Fairtrade also encourages producers and traders to develop mutually
beneficial long-term trading relationships. Producers can request
pre-finance to pay for fertilisers and other farm inputs to improve
their crop without having to take out high-interest loans.
Producer organisations receive a guaranteed minimum price that
covers the costs of sustainable production plus an additional
premium to invest in health, education, infrastructure, and other
community development projects. On plantations, elected workers
manage the premium fund with support from management. They receive
training in finance and administration to build their capacity to
deal with these responsibilities and are further empowered through
the acquisition of skills in leadership and communication, and
project planning and management.
Fairtrade environmental development criteria ensure that
producer organisations make environmental protection an integral
part of farm management. This includes minimising the use of
chemical fertilisers and insecticides and their gradual replacement
with natural alternatives, protection of water, soil structure and
other natural resources, and the responsible disposal of
waste.
Buying Fairtrade certified products changes the lives of millions
of people worldwide and shows how trade can be made to work in
favour of poorer people and the environment. When you buy a product
carrying the FAIRTRADE Mark, you know it has been certified to meet
the international Fairtrade Standards set by Fairtrade Labeling
Organisation International (FLO). They check to make sure producers
really are getting a better deal.
Fairtrade is not a brand. You can find the FAIRTRADE Mark on
products from hundreds of different companies. The FAIRTRADE Mark
is an independent stamp of approval.
fairtrade and the coffee crisis
International coffee prices fluctuate wildly and for the
past 20 years have largely remained below the cost of
production, causing immense hardship for millions of farmers
in the developing world.
When prices drop it can spell disaster for farmers, as they
struggle to buy food and keep their children in school. Ultimately
they may lose their land and their livelihood.
By buying Fairtrade coffee, you're giving farmers the chance
to sell their beans at a stable price that covers their costs
and enables them to support their families and invest
in a better future.
The Fairtrade price includes an additional sum, the Fairtrade
Premium, which is set aside for farmers and workers to spend on
social and environmental projects. This ensures communities have
the power and resources to invest in long term improvement.
Fairtrade standards also aim to protect and improve the
environment. Extra income from Fairtrade means farmers can invest
in sound agricultural practices, such as cutting weeds instead of
using herbicides.
For more information on Fairtrade visit the Fairtrade website
fairtrade products
Cafe Bar realise that the only way the Fairtrade concept can
work is to ensure quality of products to maintain consumer
retention. This is why extra care is taken in the roasting and
blending process of ingredients sourced from Fairtrade
certified producer groups.
Whether it is Fairtrade coffee from Costa Rica, Fairtrade
chocolate from The Dominion Republic or Fairtrade tea from Sri
Lanka, you can be assured of top quality products and fairness for
all. Take at look at Fairtrade certified products now available
from Cafe Bar for immediate delivery.
Check out the Cafe Bar Fairtrade Products
Range.
In addition as from 1st September 2009, all Cadbury beverage products are also Fairtrade
Certified in the UK & Ireland.
cafe bar sense fairtrade package
Cafe Bar can show you how you can transform your refreshment
service with the right equipment to serve exceptional FAIRTRADE
Mark coffee, tea and chocolate.
Whether you are a large company requiring a full refreshment
service or a small concern requiring a single filter coffee
machine, we have the ideal Fairtrade hot drinks system for you.
The Cafe Bar Fairtrade hot drinks package, consists of
everything you need to serve and promote Fairtrade coffee, hot
chocolate and tea. We supply 'Sense the Difference' branded drinks
machines and marketing materials such as posters, table talkers and
signs as well as Fairtrade certified ingredients.