19 September 2019, Lima, Peru – Today the members of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) from across the world met in Peru and elected Roopa Mehta as the president of WFTO. She will replace Rudi Dalvai, who has served as president for the maximum allowable two consecutive terms, since May 2011.

“I am honoured to serve the global community of Fair Trade Enterprises. Every day, WFTO members innovate new ways to put people and planet first. They are pioneering the enterprise models of a new economy. It is a privilege to succeed Rudi Dalvai as president, who is a giant of the Fair Trade movement and has shaped a dynamic WFTO. We are a pivotal community of enterprises helping to pioneer the economic transformation the world needs.” Roopa Mehta, president of WFTO

Roopa Mehta leads Sasha Association for Craft Producers (India), an exemplary WFTO member selling fashion and home products around the world. Her association with Fair Trade began in 1978 and she moved over full time to Sasha in 1985. She has served on the board of Fair Trade Forum India and the Asia WFTO board. She was voted on to the WFTO Global board as an independent board member in May 2011.

Roopa completed an Economic honours course, followed with an MBA degree from Delhi University. She began her career with a leading Indian chain of hotels and moved on to be an Executive Director of a company producing and retailing high-end women's clothing using traditional dyeing printing and embroidery techniques.

We also welcome Indro Dasgupta and Giorgio Dal Fiume as newly elected independent board members as well as Chris Solt as the Pacific Representative and Sunil Chitrakar as the Asia Representative on the WFTO Global board. They join existing board members Sophie Tack (Europe), Pieter Swart (Africa and Middle East) and Luis Heller (Latin America) and Ileana Cordon (independent) on the WFTO Global Board.

Background info:

About WFTO
The World Fair Trade Organization is the global community and verifier of social enterprises that fully practice Fair Trade. These Fair Trade Enterprises are the mission-led businesses whose business models are designed for impact.

WFTO members impact 1m livelihoods, 74% of whom are women.  These enterprises transform local communities, pioneer upcycling, empower women, champion refugee rights and practice organic farming. Their impact goes far and wide and the WFTO is their global community.

The 412 members spread in 76 countries. They support and trade with each other, speak up collectively, meet regularly and collaborate at trade fairs. It's a movement, a community, and an idea. 

Note to journalists and editors:

For interviews and high-resolution photos, contact WFTO Communications Manager Michael Sarcauga through email michael@wfto.com or call us on +31345536487.