Frequently Asked Questions About Fairtrade

What is the Fairtrade Label?

The Fairtrade Label is a “seal of approval” that appears on products that meet internationally agreed Fairtrade standards and which guarantees to consumers that their purchase of a particular product will benefit the producers, their families and the surrounding communities from the developing countries that they originate from. Consumers can be assured of the benefits flowing from their purchase of products bearing the Fairtrade Label because there is a monitoring and auditing system behind that label that applies to all participants in the supply chain of the product. This includes Fairtrade certified producers (who comply with Fairtrade standards), Fairtrade registered importers (who pay a Fairtrade premium, in addition to minimum prices, that supports social, economic and environmental development) and Fairtrade licensees (who a licensed to apply the Fairtrade label to packaged products and sell them in to the market).

Where can I buy Fairtrade products?

Coffee, tea, chocolate and drinking chocolate are the Fairtrade labeled products currently available in Australia and New Zealand. Fairtrade labeled products are available from a range of cafes and retail outlets, and also via mail order. You can seach for details on where and how you can buy fairtrade labeled products in the "Buy & Sell" section of our website!

Why purchase Fairtrade?

Fairtrade certified products in Australia and New Zealand guarantee to consumers that the producers in developing countries, for example cooperatives of smallholder farmers in the case of coffee, were paid a fair price and are being supported to improve their livelihoods. Behind the Fairtrade label on these products is a Fairtrade certification system based on a clear set of internationally agreed standards that are independently assessed and monitored to ensure that the benefits of Fairtrade are clear and transparent to consumers. Most importantly, Fairtrade provides benefits that allow producers to invest in their communities, organisations and production systems, leading to long-term developmental benefits. It provides a framework that enables empowerment of farmers and workers in the face of many challenges associated with global trade. For organisations, purchasing Fairtrade products such as coffee, tea, cocoa and chocolate – all available in Australia – provides a very easy way to contribute positively to poverty eradication and sustainable development efforts in the developing world. Its high quality and tastes great; is competitive on price; much of it is organic so you can address people’s health concerns; and it provides a wonderful tool in the office to educate people about global trade, justice and sustainable development issues. It’s also a great way to demonstrate your organisations commitment to corporate social responsibility.