About Fair Trade
Fair Trade Mark
Since the launch of the first Fair Trade label (Max Havelaar) in 1998, Fair Trade, specifically Fair Trade coffee has been more recognized. The Fair Trade label became a certified standard to protect the producers by awarding them a justified reward. At the same time, it follows the standards set by the International Labour Organization to forbid hiring of child labour or slaves, provide a safe working environment, and protect the rights of setting up labour organizations. Fair trade incorporates the rules set out by International Bill of Human Rights. Fair Trade also advocates gender equality, a more transparent supply chain and a long term business relationship between producers and consumers.
Now, the two Fair Trade certification standards that are internationally recognized are:
The trademark aims to increase consumers’ awareness of raw material trading which is essential to farmers and workers. Products with The FAIRTRADE Certification Mark indicates its producers and traders meet the Fairtrade standards, and are audited by the independent certification organization, FLO-CERT.
According to a 2013 GlobeScan survey carried out in 17 countries (including South Korea, Japan, South Africa, Germany and Italy), nearly 6 in 10 consumers recognize the Fairtrade Mark. The Fairtrade Mark is most visible in the UK that it is recognized by 96% of the UK consumers, while 9 in 10 consumers have confidence about the mark in Switzerland, Netherlands and Ireland. The Fairtrade Mark has the highest level of trust in Switzerland (91%), followed by UK, Ireland and Netherlands.
The Fairtrade Mark is different from organic marks, though Fair Trade encompasses the elements of environmental protection and sustainability. More than half of the Fair Trade products in Hong Kong are organically planted, therefore, the majority of Fair Trade products also come with organic marks.
World Fair Trade Organization
Its members fully commit to Fair Trade principles, activities and reciprocal record reports.