What is "fair trade" coffee?

"Fair trade" coffee refers specifically to coffee that is grown and traded according to established social and environmental standards. The concept of fair trade aims to provide growers in developing countries with better trading conditions and promote sustainability. This includes ensuring that producers receive a fair price for their coffee, as well as a premium that can be invested in community projects such as education and healthcare.

Fair trade standards include criteria around fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmentally sustainable farming practices. By adhering to these standards, fair trade coffee seeks to support small-scale farmers and cooperative farming communities, enabling them to achieve greater financial stability and positively impact their communities.

In contrast, coffee not adhering to these standards—like the options that imply no regulation or environmental harm—does not fulfill the principles of fair trade.