Fair Trade Facts

Here’s a round-up of some fair trade facts about the fair trade market in the UK.

In 2010, the Fairtrade market in the UK (United Kingdom) was worth £1.17bn, a 42% increase on 2009.There is more than 4,500 Fairtrade certified food carrying the Fairtrade Mark. More than 7.7 million people across more than 60 increasing countries benefit from the international Fairtrade system.

Fairtrade Mark

Tradecrafts were one of the organizations that helped set up the Fairtrade Foundation in 1992.The Fairtrade Foundation award the Fairtrade Mark to products which meet up international fair trade standards, set by almost 3-quarters (74%) of the UK people recognize the Fairtrade Mark.

Fairtrade status

• Number of Fairtrade schools: 482

There are also a further 4000 schools working towards Fairtrade status. Tradecrafts schools website has more information on becoming a Fairtrade school.

Quantity of Fairtrade churches: 6558

Visit the church part of the Tradecrafts website for information on how to become a Fairtrade church.

• Number of Fairtrade synagogues: 47

• Number of Fairtrade mosques: 2

• Number of Fairtrade town, cities and villages: 500

• Number of Fairtrade university and colleges: 120

Fair trade?

The Fairtrade Mark is awarded to products that meet internationally agreed standards. However, there are many products for which an ordinary has yet to be agreed. These are naturally crafts, paper and textiles.

For many years, Tradecrafts has source these types of products and ensured they reach the same standards as those practical to Fairtrade certified products.

To distinguish between these categories of products we use Fairtrade in relation to those that carry the Fairtrade Mark. We use fair trade to describe the extensive range of products for which the Mark is not yet available.

Rapaport Fair Trade jewelry and diamond

Rapaport Fair Trade is the leading resource for socially conscious jewelry consumers and members of the jewelry and diamond trade. Our goal is to provide moral education for jewelry supplier, buyers, first time or experienced diamond buyers, social activists, students, and anyone attracted in jewelry, trends, and ethical luxury.

Rapaport does not buy or trade diamonds on our own account. With a standing built on leading information services, create fair and efficient markets and increase transparency in the diamond business, it’s natural that Rapaport is the place to turn when you want to know where your diamond came from, or where you can get a piece of jewelry that is both high fashion and highly ethical.

Rapa port Fair Trade believes powerfully in educating the industry, and hosts annual conference in locations worldwide to discuss human rights and ethical source issue.

Our Mission

Ensure that diamonds, precious gems, and costly metals are not responsible for human rights abuses, crime, or illegal green damage.

Ensure that diamonds, costly gems, and precious metals become a force for sustainable development, optimistic growth, and empowerment in the community from which they originate and at all point along the supply chain.

Educate the diamond and jewelry industry, consumers, activist and students. Enable educated decisions regarding diamond, costly metal and jewelry purchases.

Fairtrade Labeling International Record

The concept of ‘fair trade’ has been around for over 40 years according to Fine but a formal labeling plan didn’t get off the ground until the late 1980s.

1988: launch of the first Fairtrade label, Max Havelaar, under the plan of the Dutch development agency Solidaridad. The first ‘Fairtrade’ coffee from Mexico was selling into Dutch supermarket. It was recognized "Max Havelaar," after a fictional Dutch character who opposed the exploitation of coffee pickers in Dutch colonies.

Late ‘80s/early ‘90s: The Max Havelaar plan is replicated in several other markets across Europe and North America “Max Havelaar” “Transfair” “Fairtrade Mark” in the UK and Ireland, “Rättvisemärkt” in Sweden, and "Reilu Kauppa" in Finland.

1997: Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International (FLO) was recognized in Bonn, Germany to unite the labeling initiatives under one umbrella and establish international standards and certification.

2002: FLO launches a new International Fairtrade Certification Mark. The goals of the launch were to improve the visibility of the Mark on superstore shelves, facilitate cross border trade and simplify export events for both producers and exporters.

2004: FLO splits into two independent organizations: FLO International, which sets Fairtrade standards and provides creator business support, and FLO-CERT, which inspect and certifies producer organization and audits traders.

2006: The Fairtrade Certification Mark harmonization process is still under way – today, all but three Labeling Initiatives have adopted the new International Fairtrade Certification Mark. Full change to the new Fairtrade certification Mark should become realism as it slowly replaces the old guarantee marks at various speeds in various countries.

Fair Trade Practices

Arbitration and Dispute Resolutions Services

• Arbitration Proceedings
• Conciliation Proceedings under the settlement and Conciliation Act, 1996.
• Petitions before the High Courts for appointment of arbitrators.
• Petition before court in link with enforcement of domestic and overseas awards.

Civil Services

• All kind of home matters
• Wills and legacy related matters.
• Building and collaboration relating matters.
• Injunctions and civil suits.

Corporate and Commercial Services

• Corporate contracts and transactions.

• Negotiation and certification

• Project handling
• Licensing and sharing Agreement

Intellectual Property Right Laws Services

• Trademark law and registrations
• Copyright law and registrations
• Software Protection
• Intellectual land Licensing
• Design laws and register
• Law pertaining to trade secret and confidential information including usual knowledge.

Taxation Services

• Direct Taxes in respect of corporate bodies as well as persons expatriates
• Indirect Taxes including all Sale duty and Excise Duty Matters
• Tax structure including advice on Avoidance of in two Taxation Treaties.

Trade Protection Laws

• Anti-Dumping, Safe Guard, Countervailing/grant related matters.
• Filing of petition and representation before Designated Authority instead of domestic industry, importers, exporters and user relations.

• Filing and preparation of importer exporter survey response and follow-up of the case in the interest of customers.

• Appearance before DA in public hearings and filing of written submissions and response thereto.

• Proceeding before CESTAT, High Court and Supreme Court in an anti-dumping matter related appeal, writ and special leave appeal.

Fair trade - The FMCG Distribution in Oman

Established in 1974, Fair-trade is a fully Omani owned company. Our core competency is the distribution of FMCG products in the Sultanate of Oman.

A relentless and inflexible commitment to support our customers with the Best excellence Service for past 30 Years has earn Fair-trade a well-deserved standing in the FMCG distribution business in Oman.

Endeavor to lead and outclass rivalry in this highly challenging industry has been made possible by strategic business management that is keenly perceptive of the market needs, excellent warehousing and sharing channels, and a dedicated, innovative workforce committed to delivering excellence.

Reach and distribution penetrate the remotest interiors of Oman. We have a dedicated network of Fair-trade branches in the key cities and towns of Oman. Fair-trade is arrogant of its efforts to keep up a close proximity to its principals and customers. We take pride in having the Best Distribution Network between all the other FMCG distribution companies in Oman.

The business operations of Fair-trade are well divided into three key divisions:

Dry Food

Fair-trade brings to Oman some of the world’s choicest and leading brands that share the same passion for outstanding excellence and healthy living in the Dry Foods sector.

Dry Food

The Frozen Foods Division of Fair-trade is powerfully committed to its vision of inspiring the health and happiness of people who consume its frozen food products.

Non Food

Fair-trade Non-Food Division is vigorously involved in delivering high-quality FMCG products such as Detergents, special Care and Household products.

The Canton Fair Trade Tips

The first period of the Canton Fair is started. If not you are base in China, this is one of the few Chances to meet with suppliers face to face. Here are a few tips for before you leave and while you are there.

Preparation:

•   Know the place of the suppliers you want to visit. Get their stand number before you go Booth numbers are accessible on the Canton Fair website.

•   Schedule meeting times with the suppliers you want to meet.

• v  Bring plenty of business cards. Some buyers even print business cards especially for the fair with a special contact email address so they can filter out spam.

At the Fair:

•   Find out if the potential supplier you are talking to is a trading company or a manufacturer.

• Find out where the factory is located and go visit it (do not pass up an opportunity to visit a factory) if possible.

•   Get accurate quotes on products. Cover all the aspects of pricing (packaging, and payment terms, etc).

• Get detailed info about possible suppliers- what markets they export to, do they have an export license, who are their customers, what are their production capacities, how much of the developed process do they outsource, etc.

• Note about the communication with the supplier. How well do they communicate? Would you feel comfortable working with them?

• Be organized. Have a system to keep track of all the suppliers you meet and the information they give you.

Be on the lookout for new companies in your industry, new products, etc.

Ø  Gather info on

Ø  Material pricing

Ø  Market changes

Ø  Price increases,

Ø  Power shortages

General trends of what’s going on etc.

Fair Trade Principles

 

1	Creating opportunity for Disadvantaged Producers
2	Capacity Building of Producers and their Workers
3	Promoting Fair Trade
4	Promoting Gender Equity
5	Payment of a Fair Price and Fair Wages
6	Safe and Healthy Working conditions
7	No Child Labor
8	Protecting the Environment
9	Fair Trade Relations

Underlying Principles of 10000 Villages

At Ten Thousand Villages, we stand last WFTO and have also added a few principles of our own:

1	We honor the value of seeking to bring justice and hope to the poor.
2	We trade with artisan groups who pay fair wages and demonstrate concern for their members’ welfare.
3	We provide consistent purchases, advances and prompt final payments to artisans.
4	We increase market share in North America for fairly traded handicrafts.
5	We market quality products that are crafted by otherwise underemployed artisans.
6	We build sustainable operations using a variety of sales channels, including a network of stores with a common identity.
7	We choose handicrafts that reflect and reinforce rich cultural traditions, that are environmentally sensitive and which appeal to North American consumers.
8	We encourage North American customers to learn about fair trade and to appreciate artisans’ cultural heritage and life circumstances with joy and respect.
9	We use resources carefully and value volunteers who work in our North American operations.

Fair Trade Towns USA

Fair Trade Towns USA Is a fun and engaging way to grow the Fair Trade movement in your group of people. As a complete platform for growing awareness, availability, and commitment to Fair Trade in the US, Fair Trade Towns provides the chance to build community in your town, as good as connect your community to those in the developing world.

Fair Trade Towns unites conscious consumers, dedicated activists, member of the business and retail community, local communities of faith and other community organization, and your city or town government in the shot to make sure that we are all playing a part in supporting those who give us with so much in the US market.

Through dynamic dealings, meetings, online organizing and other outreach we bring jointly a diverse group of community members to expand the message of the import of Fair Trade and unite our community behind a banner of global justice and fairness.

The movement is made up of a diverse group of inspired activists, engaged community groups and organizations, and communally responsible members of the business community. We are dedicated to raising awareness in our fellow community members that all dollars we spend is a great decision, with ramification that echo across continents, countries, and communities.