Fairtrade certification

Fairtrade certifications are available for a variety of products, such as fruits, vegetables, coffee, tea, cocoa, etc. The different certifications include Hired Labor, Contract production, Small-scale Producer Organization, Trader, Climate, Textile and Gold standards. To obtain a Fairtrade certification, a business must meet specific standards and be audited by an independent certification body. The standards cover aspects like fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable production practices. Additionally, businesses must pay a premium for their products that goes towards social and economic development projects in the communities where the products are grown. 

How does Fairtrade Certification work?

The Fairtrade certification process is done by FLOCERT – a global certifier for Fairtrade. It starts with the applicant receiving the list of requirements and a questionnaire to fill in. Upon receiving a filled document back FLOCERT will connect with the applicant to schedule an on-site audit. The auditor will evaluate the business’s compliance with the Fairtrade standards in areas such as fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable production practices. Later, based on the information collected, a certificate will be issued.  

If every link in the production chain is Fairtrade certified and a brand wants to sell finished products with a Fairtrade mark, it may apply to become a Fairtrade licensee 

Benefits of Fairtrade

One of the primary benefits of a Fairtrade certification is that it helps to ensure that products are produced in a fair and sustainable manner. The standards require businesses to implement best practices in areas such as fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable production practices. Furthermore, the standards mandate that businesses must contribute to the social and economic development of the communities where their products are grown. 

Another benefit of a Fairtrade certification is that it can help increase market access for businesses. Many retailers and food service providers around the world recognize the Fairtrade certification as a symbol of fair and sustainable production and prefer to source products from Fairtrade-certified businesses. This can open up new market opportunities for Fairtrade-certified businesses. 

In addition, obtaining a Fairtrade certification can also help a business to improve its reputation and build trust with consumers. The certification signals to consumers that the business is committed to fair and sustainable practices, which can help differentiate the business from its competitors. 

Find out more here: Fairtrade International

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