Fairtrade launches to consumers in India

Fairtrade India launched officially in Bangalore as the newest addition to the growing global Fairtrade family. The organization will focus on “promoting Indian-produced Fairtrade products directly to the growing Indian market to further benefit Fairtrade farmers and workers,” Abhishek Jani, CEO of Fairtrade India, said. “This is an exciting opportunity for India to demonstrate that it can actually lead on ethical consumption and show its support for our small farmers. Buying Fairtrade is an immediate way for us to directly support the poorest farmers, and the environment.”

Fairtrade started working with Indian producers almost 19 years ago, helping them gain access to European markets on better terms of trade. The initial basket of Fairtrade products from India included tea, spices, coffee, cotton and nuts.

There are now 121,400 workers and farmers working with Fairtrade in India, with 72 Fairtrade certified producer organisations, exporting Fairtrade certified products around the world. In 2012, an additional 2.4 million Euros was received by Indian farmers and workers as Fairtrade Premium above what they would otherwise have received in the market. Home grown Indian brands are now already available, providing Fairtrade rice, tea, coffee, spices and cotton for Indian consumers and businesses. A range of wholesale Fairtrade products are available, including cotton, coffee, rice, sugar, spices, dried fruit, cocoa and coconut, among others. More information is available from: www.fairtradeindia.org