Popular Fair Trade Gifts
It’s now commonplace to step into any supermarket and see the Fairtrade mark on food products. Coffee, tea, chocolate and bananas are some of the popular items on offer that proudly display the blue and green logo. Seeing the Fairtrade symbol is a guarantee that disadvantaged farmers and workers in developing countries are getting a better deal for their efforts. The great news is that these benefits extend beyond consumables like coffee. Fairtrade gifts are also available and increasing in popularity.
Do we pay over the odds for fair trade products?
The answer to that is ‘not necessarily’. If you go back a few years you may be right in thinking that Fairtrade equalled “expensive” as the market price was higher. Buyers and suppliers look to cover their own costs while making sure the farmers and workers receive the set minimum price for their work. Buyers can also pay money on top of the set minimum price to support social projects and improve education and health.
However, with the increased demand for Fairtrade goods, the market is now being flooded and more products are being sold. This is good for the developing countries who reap the benefits and good for the consumer because it places Fairtrade products on a level playing field with non-fair trade when it comes to pricing. And let’s not forget that Fairtrade gifts are often hand-made from quality natural materials which are beautifully crafted and long lasting. Not only are you paying a fair price, you’re often getting a superior product.