An overview of Fairtrade’s impact
Delve into key figures to explore how Fairtrade works to share the benefits of global trade more equally.
Our work
We work towards lasting sustainable change for farmers and workers in key areas including:
- Sustainable, resilient livelihoods
- Decent work
- Gender equity and social inclusion
- Environmental sustainability
- Sustainable, resilient and fairer supply chains
Achieving meaningful impact in these areas requires significant systemic shifts, as the power imbalances in global trade have been deeply ingrained since the colonial era. We track our progress through various metrics, so our approach is well-informed and can continuously be improved.
Read more about how we measure impact.
Benefits from Fairtrade sales and Premium
The more farmers and workers can sell on Fairtrade terms, the more they benefit economically.
Producers earned more than €220 million in Fairtrade Premium in 2022. The Fairtrade Premium is an extra sum of money, paid on top of the selling price, that farmers or workers invest in projects of their choice.
Farmers and workers earned more than €1.5 billion in Fairtrade Premium over the past 10 years.
Farmer organisations invested the major part of their Fairtrade Premium funds in their production, business development, and financial benefits for their members in 2022.
In 2022, hired workers spent the major part of their Fairtrade Premium on social investments including education, housing, and health services, as well as financial benefits and training.
Trust in Fairtrade
Consumers play a crucial role in Fairtrade - if there wasn’t any consumer demand there simply wouldn’t be any Fairtrade sales. We regularly conduct consumer research to understand their perspectives and the best ways to channel their purchasing power. Our latest research indicates that the FAIRTRADE Mark remains the most recognised and trusted ethical label globally.
Read more
Progress in key areas
- Sustainable livelihoods: A 2021 study showed that Ivorian Fairtrade cocoa farmers had increased their average incomes by 85 percent compared to four years prior.
- Living income: More than 10 living income reference prices set for cocoa, coffee, coconut, and vanilla, available for any company to use.
- Living wages: Reference prices set to enable living wages for banana workers in four countries: Colombia, Dominican Republic, Peru, and Ecuador.
- Climate resilience: Around 38 percent of all Fairtrade certified producer organisations (720 organisations) are adopting climate adaptation plans, and 32 percent (610) are reporting implementation of environmental risk mitigation.
- Protecting forests: All Fairtrade cocoa and coffee producer organisations can access deforestation monitoring services.
- Decent work and human rights: Audit results from more than 1,500 producer organisations found that they met or exceeded Fairtrade Standards between 90 and 98 percent of the time in eight of the nine HREDD (human rights and environmental due diligence) areas analysed, including decent livelihoods, labour rights, child rights, non-discrimination, and environmental protection, among others.