Fair Trade
What is fair trade
Fair Trade is all about putting people first. Its main aim is poverty alleviation
Definition
Fair Trade is an internationally-recognized approach to trading which aims to ensure that producers in poor countries get a fair deal. A fair deal includes a fair price for goods and services, decent working conditions, and a commitment from buyers so that there is reasonable security for the producers.
Fair Trade is an alternative approach to conventional international trade. It is a trading partnership which aims at sustainable development for excluded and disadvantaged producers. It seeks to do this by providing better trading conditions, by awareness raising and by campaigning.
“Getting money is not all a man’s business; to cultivate kindness is a valuable part of business life”.
Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)
What we stand for and how we practice fair trade
Producers receive a minimum set price for their goods, financial and technical support, healthy and safe working conditions, economic development of their communities, and educational opportunities for their children.
Consumers receive excellent products plus the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are actively addressing poverty, preserving the environment, and promoting an end to child labor.
We are based in KwaZulu Natal in South Africa in what is known as the Elephant Coast. We are surrounded by Game Reserves and rural communities that use their skills to make local crafts that we buy and sell to the international market.
These communities are keeping the skills of weaving, beadwork and carving alive by teaching younger generations the skills needed to make these crafts. By working directly with crafter's money is put back into these communities and these skills can then be developed and sustained.
Fair Trade means a fair prices given for crafts made by poorer communities and that’s what we believe is the only way to sustain these skills that are slowly being lost.