Since 2016, the consumption of fair trade products has continued to grow in France, driven by consumer awareness about the origins of what's on their plates. Who are the main players in fair trade today? What labels do they operate under? Which ones will you find at Natexpo? We'll tell you everything!
Fair trade in 2019
Fair trade is a model of ethical and responsible economics. Based on strict specifications, it guarantees better remuneration for small producers (often grouped into cooperatives), protects them from fluctuations in world prices, and allows them to finance new projects.
The good news is that in 2018, products labeled “fair trade” and “responsible” jumped by 22% and are everywhere on the shelves of organic stores… A movement driven by the change in consumer behavior: a recent OpinionWay survey (May 2018) shows that 79% of French people would like a larger selection of fair trade products in stores!
The flagship products of fair trade? Coffee, bananas, and chocolate, which can be purchased from organic specialists as well as today in supermarkets. Among the major players in the sector, we find the association Fair Trade France, a collective which represents French fair trade players in France and internationally (Biocoop, Alter Eco, Ethiquable, Guayapi, Les Jardins de Gaïa, Malongo, etc.) and the NGO Max Havelar whose primary mission is to “act for fair trade, respectful of human rights and the environment”.
It should be noted that, in addition to products from all over the world, fair trade has been expanding to French producers since 2014. 53% of Fair Trade products from France are bakery and pastries. This is followed by fruits and vegetables. (Fair Trade France Figures, 2018) The goal is to guarantee fair prices for producers to accelerate the ecological transition of French food. Some products also have dual organic and fair trade certification, and represent 47% of French Fair Trade sales.
Fair trade labels
There are several fair trade labels that you can find on product packaging, each with its own specificities and guarantees but all working towards the principles of fair trade: respect for the fundamental rights of workers and producers, better remuneration, preservation of the environment.
In France, we find fair trade labels among various players:
Equitable Ecocert: combines organic farming, fair trade, and corporate social responsibility. Guarantees product compliance with the Fair, Solidarity, and Responsible (ESR) specifications, developed and monitored by the Ecocert group.
Fairtrade – Max Havelaar : the most well-known among consumers, who fights for women's rights, strengthening the autonomy of producers and against child labor... The label applies to developing countries, just like the following!
Peasant Producers Symbol : created and managed by Latin American fair trade peasant producers dedicated to family farming.
Agri-ethics: a label that only applies in France and guarantees French farmers a fair and sustainable income, preserves local employment and acts for the environment.
Fair for life : for trade with ethical, fair and respectful partnerships.
Fairtrade Organic: The label incorporates all the fundamentals of fair trade (minimum purchase price, development bonus, pre-financing of harvests) with mandatory “organic farming” certification.
Organic Solidarity : label for local partnerships between processors and producers
Partner Bio: associative label which guarantees that products come from organic farming and which defends the values of organic farming, by placing people at the heart of commercial exchanges.
On Natexpo, you can find brands bearing the Max Havelaar Bio Equitable and Equitable Ecocert labels as well as their certified new products:
- Chocolate snack bars from Bovetti Chocolats. 4 gourmet recipes with chocolate, Italian hazelnuts and almonds, speculoos and corn flakes. Organic and fair trade, lecithin-free, GMO-free in 100% compostable packaging. Ecocert Fairtrade certified
- Organic and fair trade yogurt Faire Bien with raspberry, from Les Prés Rient Bio. Faire Bien raspberry organic and fair trade yogurt is made in Normandy, with organic and fair trade milk. 5% of sales are reinvested to sustain the organic dairy farming profession. Ecocert Fair Trade Certified
- Organic Fairtrade Hibiscus – Elderflower green tea from Maison Meneau. Fruity and floral, this is the Hibiscus-Elderflower iced tea from Maison Meneau. A delicate artisanal infusion of Chinese Gunpowder green tea leaves and flower petals. Certified Organic Fairtrade
- Max de Génie's gluten-free chocolate fondant mixOrganic preparation for an irresistible chocolate fondant, naturally gluten-free. No refined flours or sugars, and low glycemic index. Homemade in the Ile-de-France region. Certified Organic, Fairtrade.
- Naturgie's Fairtrade Pineapple Coconut Extra JamFor breakfasts with exotic flavors, discover our Fairtrade jam combining the tangy and sweet taste of pineapple with the sweetness of coconut. Max Havelaar certified
Also find products from exhibitors, made from fair trade ingredients:
- L'Angelus' no-sugar-added seed bunsThe first burger bun with no added sugar. A healthy and delicious alternative thanks to a blend of 5 seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, brown flax, and poppy) and an oat flake topping. Vegan recipe, palm oil-free, made with fair trade flour.
- Grandeur Nature's Chocolate RennetThis traditional and gourmet dessert reflects strong commitments to which Grandeur Nature is particularly attached: a preparation using 100% organic Breton milk, fair trade chocolate and sugar, and packaging in a recyclable cardboard pot.
- Ketjap sweet shoyu from Autour du RizThis Fairtrade sauce is made through traditional natural fermentation using soybeans grown in rotation with Thai rice. Delicately sweet, it is ideal for seasoning cereals, vegetables, soups, and dipping spring rolls or sushi.
Fair trade, shall we talk about it?
Natexpo offers a wide program of international conferences – around a hundred in total – including two exclusively on fair trade:
- Fair Trade: The Future of Organic?
By Biopartenaire and Synadis Bio – Sunday, October 20 from 14 p.m. to 15 p.m. –> On thee Natexbio Forum – stand F70
- Alternative and emerging consumption (local, fair, bulk, vegan, etc.)
On the Organic Trends Forum – stand D201 (time to be confirmed) Come and ask all your questions about fair trade!