Fair Trade is an alternative approach to conventional international trade. It brings consumers and producers closer together, and provides a way for consumers, through their purchasing, to benefit directly the lives of producers. Producer groups negotiate the prices with buyers directly and collectively helping reduce vulnerability to exploitation and the fluctuation of world market prices.

“Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, which seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalised producers and workers - especially in the South. Fair Trade organisations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of international trade,”

According to FINE, an informal association of the four main fair trade networks (FLO, WFTO, Network European Worldshops (NEWS!) and European Fair Trade Association (EFTA).