In an increasingly interconnected world, consumers have become more conscious of the impact of their purchasing decisions on the environment and the lives of the people behind the products they buy. Fairtrade certification has emerged as a powerful tool to promote sustainability, ethical practices, and social justice in trade.
The demand for Fairtrade products, including tea, is on the rise as consumers seek to make a positive difference. This article explores what Fairtrade Certified means, with a focus on tea as an illustrative example.
What is Fairtrade Certification?
Fairtrade is an international movement empowering farmers and workers in developing countries through better trading conditions and fair prices for their products. The certification process includes strict standards for environmental, social, and economic aspects of production and trade.
To obtain Fairtrade Certification, the entire supply chain, from sourcing raw material to the final product, must meet rigorous criteria. This encompasses fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable practices. The standards also prohibit child labor and require community development funds for local infrastructure and services.
Supporting Fairtrade Certified products promotes fairness, sustainability, and social responsibility globally, uplifting disadvantaged communities and fostering positive change in their lives.
Why is Fairtrade Certification good?
Using tea as an example, let's delve into how Fairtrade Certification positively impacts tea producers in developing countries.
Fair Prices
Fairtrade ensures that tea farmers receive stable and fair prices for their crops, protecting them from market fluctuations and ensuring a more sustainable livelihood.
Empowerment of Farmers
Fairtrade empowers farmers by encouraging decision-making within their communities, allowing them to have a voice in shaping their future.
Community Development
A portion of the Fairtrade premium, a sum paid on top of the Fairtrade minimum price, goes into a community development fund. This fund helps build schools, healthcare facilities, clean water projects, and other essential infrastructure, improving the overall well-being of the community.
Environmental Sustainability
Fairtrade standards require tea producers to adopt environmentally friendly practices, such as reducing the use of pesticides and promoting organic cultivation methods.
Prohibition of Child Labor
Fairtrade prohibits the use of child labour in tea production, ensuring that children have access to education and a chance for a better future.
How to recognise official Fairtrade Certified products
Fairtrade Certified products, including tea, are identified by the recognizable Fairtrade logo—a blue and green symbol representing fairness, sustainability, and equity. This logo guarantees that the product meets the highest global standards of responsible and ethical production.
Why are Fairtrade Certified products important to consumers?
Consumers are savvy shoppers, and they unconsciously lean toward socially responsible purchases when making purchase decisions. Consumers worldwide lean toward doing their bit to foster positive change in underprivileged regions worldwide such as those in tea and coffee production. By choosing Fairtrade products, consumers feel they are not only benefiting but also doing their part to support sustainable farming practices while protecting workers and contributing to the well-being of the farming communities.
Consumers are attuned to recognising official standards and the official Fairtrade symbol empowers them in knowing their purchase is contributing to a greater good.
Reward Hospitality New Zealand supports Fairtrade officially certified products
Reward Hospitality is not only committed to our clearly defined and honoured stance on Corporate Responsibility, but we are also committed to instilling commitment to responsible consumption and production, as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Fairtrade Certification is a key player in advancing ethical trade, social justice, and sustainability in the global tea industry. By adhering to Fairtrade standards, tea producers and workers in developing countries gain empowerment through fair prices and improved trading conditions, leading to a more sustainable livelihood. The rising demand for Fairtrade products, including tea, reflects consumers' growing consciousness of their impact on the environment and the lives of those behind the products they buy. By opting for Fairtrade Certified products, consumers actively contribute to positive change, supporting the well-being of tea farmers and workers worldwide. Reward Hospitality New Zealand appreciates and acknowledges companies like SereniTEA that embody social and global responsibility, contributing to positive change in the tea industry.