About Fair Trade

FAIRTRADE – What does it mean?

Fair trade basically means that the person who made the fair trade products receives a fair wage to produce the item, they may also receive holiday pay, fair working conditions, flexible working hours. Things we in the west take for granted.

What many people don’t realise is that many people in developing countries do not receive enough money to break out of poverty, many big corporations dictate what prices are paid and its often not enough for the people who make them. Fair trade makes sure the money goes to the producer, this helps them pay for food to feed their family, healthcare for their children and most important a sense of pride and empowerment in what they do! Women are also treated the same and paid the same as men, something that it is not often the norm in developing countries.

Whats more fair trade means a guaranteed income, ie. Once a range has finished our suppliers ensure another range is put in and produced, so the workload stays stable. Often our suppliers pay for materials up front to avoid the producers going into debt, or invest money into the producers community, ie. to help them obtain clean water, or build a workplace for producers to work safely in.

Fair Trade Fayre only purchases goods from suppliers recognised by BAFTS (British Association of Fair Trade Shops) or IFAT (International Fairtrade Association). This means that you can purchase goods here knowing that they are genuine fair trade products and have been made and purchased under the BAFTS or IFAT rules.

Our Suppliers

Shared Earth

Shared Earth have been trading 20 years and are a member of IFAT and develop products with more than 30 producers across the world. Their aim is to improve the livelihoods of disadvantaged people in developing countries, benefiting local community projects and keeping alive traditional skills that would otherwise be lost. For more information visit www.sharedearth.co.uk

Namaste

Namaste have been in business since 1996, are a member of BAFTS and started out after going on a trip to India. They design 90% of their goods and import many goods from Thailand, India, Indonesia dealing with the primary producers. They make advance payments for materials, works and whatever else is necessary for the producers to make their orders. For more information visit www.namaste-uk.com