Benefits of Fair Trade
for Businesses
Partnering with Fair Trade Certified™ isn’t just about doing good — it’s about transforming your business. From meeting sustainability goals to strengthening your supply chain, Fair Trade Certification supports a more resilient, transparent, and values-driven brand.
Why Brands Choose Fair Trade Certified
With consumer demand for ethically sourced sustainable products on the rise, brands are expected to reflect these priorities. Fair Trade Certified boasts 65more than 60% recognition among the general U.S. population, making it the most recognized Fair Trade label in a crowded landscape of certifications. Choosing one of the most trusted ethical labels helps your brand stand out – a major advantage of Fair Trade Certification for brands.
Our credibility is built on years of cross-commodity experience, robust standards, and hands-on field support. That’s why so many leading companies choose Fair Trade USA as their partner. Hear from some of our partners about the value and impact of certification.
CEO Spotlight: The Case for Fair Trade
Transform your business and meet your sustainability goals.In this video, Nigel Willerton, CEO and founder of Wholesome, shares how Fair Trade can fuel business transformation and sustainability efforts. Stay tuned to hear from leaders at companies like Whole Foods Market, Athleta, Equator Coffees & Teas, Guittard Chocolate Company and more.
How Certification Creates Business Value
1. Supply Chain Resilience
Fair Trade sourcing is a way for businesses to acquire goods from producers who adhere to Fair Trade Standards. It empowers supply chains and improves lives. Our standards ensure safe working conditions, labor protections, and fair wages. This leads to stronger worker retention and more resilient communities. Additionally, Fair Trade sourcing is supported by strict compliance measures that help mitigate risk throughout your supply chain.
2. Brand Trust and Integrity
Our operations and standards are audited by and compliant with ISEAL. This external validation affirms your brand’s integrity and demonstrates a true commitment to ethical practices.
3. Long-Term Consumer Loyalty
Today’s consumers are more informed and value-conscious than ever. They’re seeking brands that reflect their values – safety, ethics, and sustainability — making third-party certifications a clear differentiator.
4. Advances ESG Initiatives and SDG Alignment
Our program tracks more than 150 impact indicators, many aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This partnership gives your brand access to measurable data and real stories from workers, helping you demonstrate tangible progress on your environmental, social, and economic sustainability (ESG) commitments.
Fair Trade Brand Partners
Athleta
Barrie House
Cotopaxi
Dole
Guittard
J. Crew
Success Stories
Sergio Borquez, Executive VP
“Since our beginnings, we have always strived to nurture the ecosystems and communities. We have seen firsthand how the partnership with Fair Trade for almost 10 years can scale our reach and take on an important role in our company culture, helping us push our mission to another level.”
Helen Russell, CEO
“Fair Trade Certified is an amazing initiative. What it does is it raises consciousness around what is possible when you use business as a force for good in the world. Any company that adopts the Fair Trade model is making a statement in terms of who they are and what their vision is. Consumers want ethically sourced products, and that’s what Fair Trade is all about. That’s why you see so many other companies buying Fair Trade products”
Reem Hassani, Co-Founder & Chief Brand Officer
“Numi is proud to have partnered with Fair Trade USA for over 15 years. As a leading purchaser of organic, Fair Trade teas, working with an auditor that can ensure our dollars are put to good use improving farming communities’ lives strengthens our commitment and ability to make impact.”
Soren Bjorn, President
“We reached the conclusion that we would benefit from having an outside party look at what we were doing. For our customers and consumers, it wasn’t enough to tell them that we were doing a great job. We really needed a partner. We looked long and hard at who could help us and decided to go with Fair Trade USA. They became our partner in verifying and communicating that we are doing a great job throughout our supply chain.”
Steve Shriver
“Fair Trade Certified products take all stakeholders into account, not just the shareholders. We can confidently say that Eco Lips products are sustainably and ethically sourced, ensuring the growers are treated and compensated fairly. Fair Trade is the right thing for the people and the planet!”
Ricardo Crisantes, Co-Owner and CCO
“Fair Trade is one of the most credible and effective certification models on the market that helps farmers improve their lives and develop their communities more sustainably. I’ve seen it’s powerful impact first hand on our family’s farms.”
Certification Overview
Get in Touch with Our Team
Fill out a form below to learn more about what it takes to get certified.
Create Your Certification Plan
We’ll work closely with your team to audit your business needs and identify a plan to achieve certification.
Execute Your Program Rollout
Access a stepped approach to full compliance that makes progress achievable for your unique situation. You’ll receive comprehensive support throughout the entire process!