Welcome to Fairtrade India
22 November 2013
Fairtrade India launched officially yesterday in Bangalore, 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 (approx . Rs. 19.4 crores) was received by Indian farmers and workers as Fairtrade Premium above what they would otherwise have received in the market.
“Fairtrade has made a tangible difference in the lives of Indian farmers. We’ve been able to invest in our communities, and have greater power in our trading relationships thanks to the Fairtrade movement. With the launch of Fairtrade India, we now have a chance to increase the impact much further,” said Tomy Matthew, Chair of Association of Indian Fairtrade Producers.
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.
“We are excited about the launch of Fairtrade because it provides an innovative opportunity for ethical businesses like ours to credibly demonstrate our commitment and to create tangible positive impact on cotton farmers and workers' lives. We strongly believe that Indian consumers are ready to exercise their power and act as change agent through their daily purchases,” said Sreeranga Rajan, the CEO of Dibella India, which offers products made from Fairtrade certified cotton.
In March 2013, Abhishek Jani was appointed Fairtrade India’s first Chief Executive and its Board members now include producers and Fairtrade experts alike.
Fairtrade India is part of Fairtrade moving beyond the south-north trade model, and Fairtrade marketing organisations have now been established successfully in countries including South Africa and Kenya.
For Press Enquiries and accompanying images, contact:
Abhishek Jani, CEO of Fairtrade India.
Tel: +91 99 80 28228
http://www.fairtradeindia.org
