Frequently Asked Questions

• What does it mean to be Fairtrade Certified?

  What does it mean to be Fairtrade Certified?

  When products are Fairtrade Certified it means that they were produced in accordance with Fairtrade International’s rigorous environmental, economic and social standards. This is independently verified through regular audits by an accredited third-party auditor, FLOCERT.

  More simply, having the Fairtrade Mark on your products means that the farmers and workers that grew your product are getting a fair deal on their goods, the farms are prioritizing workers’ rights and following set environmental standards. You can have peace of mind that your certified products were created in a way that helps—rather than harms—the people at the beginning of the supply chain.

• How much does Fairtrade certification cost?

  How much does Fairtrade certification cost?

  The cost of certification depends on the product. Our team will work with you to determine what is best for your business.

• What companies are Fairtrade Certified?

  What companies are Fairtrade Certified?

  More than 2,500 companies worldwide are selling over 37,000 Fairtrade certified products in stores and online, ranging from multi-national corporations like Starbucks and Ben & Jerry’s to local companies like Brooklyn Roasting and Fran’s Chocolates to start-ups like Hulya Home!

• What commodities are fair trade?

  What commodities are fair trade?

  There are currently 300+ kinds of commodities that are Fairtrade certifiable. Certifiable food goods range from bananas and avocados to coffee and cocoa to herbs, spices and even wine. Other commodities include cotton, ingredients in beauty products, and even precious metals like gold and platinum. Our expertise is in commodities not typically grown or produced in the United States.

  We do not certify handicrafts. We recommend connecting with our friends at Fair Trade Federation if that is what you are looking to get certified.

• Do consumers care about the Fairtrade logo?

  Do consumers care about the Fairtrade logo?

  Yes! Shoppers in the US are demanding more. This growing wave of conscious consumerism is visible with every trip to the grocery store. More and more shoppers are asking for anything but conventional—such as local, organic and fair trade. According to our 2023 consumer research study by GlobeScan, 85% of consumers would view a brand they already buy from more favorably if it carried the Fairtrade Mark. (Want the study? Download here!)

  Fair trade certifications directly impact purchasing patterns. The 2018 Nielsen “What’s Sustainability Got To Do With It?” study found that fair trade chocolate sold at twice the rate of conventional chocolate in 2017-2018.

  Learn more about consumer shopping trends.

• If it's costing me more, do farmers actually get more?

  If it's costing me more, do farmers actually get more?

  When you buy and sell on Fairtrade terms, producers receive tangible economic, environmental and social benefits.

  • Economic: Two pricing mechanisms work together to make sure producers are fairly paid for their work. The Fairtrade Minimum Price serves as a safety net when market prices fall to an unsustainable level. The Fairtrade Premium, paid on top of the final price, gives farmers and workers a way to invest in their community, their business and their environment.
  • Environmental: Fairtrade has clear standards that include criteria such as banning certain harmful chemicals and pesticides, prohibiting genetically modified (or GMO) seeds, and suggesting ways to minimize water use. These standards encourage best practices to support healthy communities and reforestation.
  • Social: The Fairtrade Premium promotes the democratic process, giving everyone a vote. This is a big boost for female farmers and workers, who are often marginalized. Additionally, Fairtrade Standards ban the worst forms of child and forced labor, protecting the most vulnerable.