Fairtrade India, in association with the Fairtrade Network of Asia Pacific Producers, has successfully concluded India’s first National Fairtrade Conference. This milestone event marks a significant leap towards promoting sustainable and ethical trade in India. It highlighted the growing awareness and engagement with the Fair Trade label in various sectors. Independent research commissioned by the organization revealed a significant increase in awareness of the Fair Trade label among SEC A consumers in metropolitan areas, rising from 10 percent in 2019 to an impressive 25 percent in 2022. .
The two-day conference, held on 5 and 6 October 2023 at the Pullman Hotel, Aerocity, New Delhi, convened over 150 delegates from diverse segments of the Fair Trade ecosystem, including entrepreneurs, producers, partner organizations, industry experts. , educational institutions and consumers were involved.
Mr. Abhishek Jani, CEO, Fairtrade India shared, “In 2022, sales of Fairtrade labeled products in India will reach INR 23.93 crore in gross trade value, driven by the demand for ethically and sustainably sourced products. Both are indicative of growth. And for businesses to improve their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, while gaining a competitive edge, innovating, and enhancing the value proposition for consumers. FMCG, Fashion Across sectors such as cosmetics, and HORECA, businesses in India recognize the ability to do business more responsibly, providing a better value proposition to their customers. It appears that the government’s mission with LifeE Together, India has a growing traction for sustainable consumption and production.”
Mr. Jani continued, “Our growing partnerships with iconic brands such as Indian Terrain, Being Human, Mantra-Hair & Now, L’Oreal, Camerica, Tea Culture of the World, and Mukaibari Tea promote better livelihoods, sustainable sourcing. exemplifies the shared commitment of . and responsible production. It marks a new era where ethical values are shaping industry standards and consumer choices.”
The Fairtrade approach empowers farmers and workers to take more control over their lives and make decisions about investing in their future. As a leader in the global movement to make trade fair, Fairtrade supports businesses and governments, connecting farmers and workers with people who buy their products on more sustainable terms. By choosing Fairtrade, people can make a difference through their everyday actions and choices. A product with the FAIRTRADE mark means that producers and businesses meet internationally agreed sustainability standards, independently verified. Farmers and workers have a strong voice at all levels of Fairtrade, from how they invest in and run their local organizations, to having an equal say in Fairtrade’s global decision-making.
Fairtrade NAPP supports and empowers Fairtrade certified farmers and workers across the Asia Pacific region. Producers share 50% ownership of the Fair Trade system and have an equal voice in all decisions affecting them. As a producer network, NAPP ensures that their voice is heard in the system. Currently, NAPP has 289 producer organizations in 18 countries in the Asia and Pacific region, supporting more than 260,000 farmers and workers.
Mr. Sanjit Singh Khurana, Executive Director, Fair Trade NAPP (Asia Pacific) said, “We work with 289 Fair Trade certified producer organizations in Asia Pacific in 18 countries, including 112 in India. which benefited around 1,42,202 farmers and workers. A total of Rs 80 crore of Fair Trade Premium was generated between 2017-2021, funding community projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. In 2022, Fair Trade India’s The achievements and this conference, which has united our diverse stakeholders, reflects India’s growing commitment to ethical markets.”
In a notable announcement, Jindal Global Business School was recognized as the first Fair Trade Business School in India. The conference also honored several prominent partners and producers in the Fair Trade business and education sector, who encourage diverse organizations to adopt fair trade practices.
Aligned with SDG-12 (Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns) and Mission LiFE (India-led Global Movement to Promote Sustainable Lifestyles), the event highlighted the importance of adopting sustainable practices in business and daily lives. emphasized, which focuses on their impact on our society. the environment
Supported by the European Union’s SWITCH Asia program to promote SDG12, Fairtrade India’s mission revolves around empowering producers and guiding them towards responsible production practices while ensuring more profitable market access. The National Fair Trade Conference serves as a testament to the establishment of a safe ecosystem that integrates economic, environmental and social pillars, promoting a responsible consumer and business movement in the country.
First Published: 05 Oct 2023, 18:47 IST