What is a Fair Trade Enterprise?
Fair Trade Enterprises come in different shapes and sizes – no matter how big (or small!): they may be small-scale cooperatives of artisans or farmers, working with individuals and communities through collective action. Others may be larger companies that have embedded our 10 Fair Trade principles into their operations, ensuring that fair practices, both environmentally and socially, are upheld throughout their supply chains.
Essentially, a Fair Trade Enterprise is a catalyst for positive impact.
The Fair Trade business models go beyond conventional business: we embrace an alternative approach that prioritises social and environmental impact alongside financial success. Unlike traditional profit-driven models, Fair Trade Enterprises have a triple bottom line: people, planet, and sustainable profit. By demonstrating the viability of a business model that values social and environmental outcomes alongside economic success, Fair Trade Enterprises inspire and encourage other businesses to adopt similar practices. Together, they contribute to a more equitable, sustainable, and socially responsible global economy, while saying a strong no to profit “at all costs”.
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Credits: Plastics For Change
NOT JUST BANANAS
People commonly associate Fair Trade with a certification for commodities like bananas, chocolate, and coffee. However, at WFTO, Fair Trade goes beyond product certification, as we advocate for changing the whole business model into a Fair Trade Enterprise.
Fair Trade Enterprises that decide to get our verification label and be part of our community, are not only commodity producers. Such producers are valued members of our community. However, Fair Trade Enterprises represent diverse experiments that explore alternative ways of conducting business. They pose the question, “What if our business model is designed for impact?” and provide tangible examples of how businesses can make an impact, from food to fashion, from handcrafts to digital services.
Members Spotlight
From innovative technologies to community-driven initiatives, from traditional crafts to sustainable fashion, our Global Community of forward-thinking entrepreneurs is thriving. Meet some of our members!
El Puente
Imagine a business without shareholders but only stakeholders. Envision a company whose business interests serve the entire supply chain, retailers, employees, and individuals and organisations who invest in the company. Sounds utopian, right? But there is a company that has proven that this type of business model works! El Puente, a Germany-based Fair Trade Enterprise, is owned and controlled by its stakeholders. As proof that it is working, this enterprise has been operating commercially for over 50 years!
Decision-making and governance come from the entire diverse groups of stakeholders who are united on a mission to run a business based on fairness, justice and respect for the environment. At El Puente, the shareholders are not just a select few but a diverse collective. The entire shareholder base is divided into five groups, each holding an equal share of 20%, ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of ownership.
This model's redistributive nature ensures the business's commercial and financial sustainability. Profit and gains are equally shared, which is a big motivating factor for all stakeholders (who are also shareholders) to work for the company's success and to look out for its interests and challenges. Imagine again: our economy is populated by business models that are redistributing the value back to the supply chain and employees instead of flowing into the bank accounts of the richest 1% of the population.
Last Forest
Unlike most conventional businesses, Last Forest Enterprise is set up to give back to the environment and communities where the products come from. In an extractivist model, like how most businesses are being fashioned, they see nature as expendable resources to make a profit. Their relationship with the environment is like a one-way street of taking, using and dumping.
This India-based Fair Trade Enterprise pursues an exact opposite business model. It operates with nature and the communities in the area to run its business. Not many businesses respect nature the way they do. They also transform the communities into environmental stewards to maintain biodiversity while utilising natural resources.
Their business practices have created strong environmental consciousness within the communities through education and appreciation of the role of nature in sustaining their livelihoods and way of life. Last Forest sets the bar high in sustainable production. Straight from the forest of Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu, their products include the sweetest honey, super smelling soaps and uplighting coffee.
Union des Femmes Garango
Remote, rural, and poor -it sounds like no business would dare go to such a place. However, this unique women-led enterprise, defying all odds, exists where no one believes profit and impact can coexist. The Union des Femmes Garango was formed in 2013 with 11 women groups in the municipality of Garango, Burkina Faso, to galvanise their initiatives in fighting for equality and economic opportunities.
Since its establishment, it has expanded to include 53 other women's groups that have joined the association. This expansion, a testament to the transformative power of the Union, has solidified its mission to bring education and training to local women to increase their entrepreneurial skills.
The Union represents a women-led business model that helps local women build their capacities to run their own businesses and market their products under the Union des Femmes Garango brand. This is #BusinessRevolution of women, by women and for women in Burkina Faso!
Sindyanna of Galilee
In the heart of Israel, a remarkable Fair Trade Enterprise is making waves: meet Sindyanna of Galilee, led by inspiring women who are shaping a brighter future. Since 1996, Sindyanna has been a beacon of quality and vision, specialising in locally-made treasures like olive oil, spice mixes, honey, soaps, and handicrafts.
But Sindyanna is more than just exceptional products—it's an example of unity. Arab and Jewish women come together, working side by side, breaking down barriers and promoting peaceful coexistence through the Fair Trade business model.
Every purchase holds a deeper purpose. All profits are reinvested in supporting women in achieving their empowerment through education and capacity building, creating a ripple effect of positive change. Sindyanna's commitment goes beyond economics—they strive to bridge cultural divides, champion sustainable agriculture, and nurture organic farming practices.
The impact of Sindyanna's dedication has been widely acknowledged. Their exceptional olive oils have garnered awards and recognition, a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality. But it doesn't stop there—their contributions extend to the local community, enriching lives and sparking a wave of positive transformation.
Made for a Woman
Founded in 2019 in Madagascar, Made for a Woman is the first women-led and women-centred fashion brand in Madagascar, that aims at disrupting the paradigms of the industry. Through their commitment to radical transparency, authenticity, and genuine storytelling this Fair Trade Enterprise is leading by example and weaving a better future through its dedication to ethical and environmental sustainability standards.
At the heart of its ethos lies a passion for sustainable fabrics. Made for a Woman pioneers the use of raphia, a locally sourced natural fibre, to craft exquisite bags, hats, accessories, and ready-to-wear pieces that are as unique as they are eco-friendly. Each creation tells a story of environmental stewardship and cultural heritage, merging style and sustainability with artistry.
But the mission goes beyond fashion - it is not merely about creation; but to serve as a catalyst for change. Made for a Woman places the holistic development of their its women artisans front and centre. The brand provides essential resources and support to its artisans, ensuring their professional growth and personal well-being. With IT classes, language courses, and healthcare and preventative care initiatives, this Fair Trade Enterprise focuses its business model on putting people first and ensuring the overall well-being of its artisans. As Made for a Woman states: “We are more than just a brand: our mission is to change the world, one creation at a time.”
Silaiwali
Silaiwali operates with a dual mission: environment and solidarity, striving to combat waste and foster unity. With a strategic location in New Delhi NCR, the largest garment manufacturing hub in India, Silaiwali confronts the pressing issue of textile waste, the second-largest pollutant after vehicular emissions in cities. Their innovative approach in serving for change, involves embracing a circular production model by upcycling textile scraps and dead stock from the fashion industry, transforming these materials into high-quality dolls and home decor, sold globally.
Silaiwali also focuses on Afghan refugees in New Delhi, who seek stability in countries open to foreign immigration. Under the guidance of UNHCR's livelihood program, they work closely with approximately 60-70 Afghan women refugees and provide fair wages, a safe working environment near their homes, and a strict no-child-labor policy.
Silaiwali's mission combines environmental responsibility and social purpose, creating a meaningful impact. Through their dedication to our 10 Fair Trade principles, they exemplify a commitment to social change and inclusivity.
Girolomoni
Gino Girolomoni was founded in 1977 in Italy with the name ‘Alce Nero’. The cooperative was renamed after his founder in his honour, signifying a profound tribute to his legacy.
What began as a small organic farm has now blossomed into a cooperative that goes beyond producing and retailing organic pasta. Girolomoni's mission is to foster a socially, environmentally, economically, and culturally sustainable economic model. To achieve this, they have established a network of small local businesses, promoting the organic short supply chain and bolstering the local market.
At the heart of this Fair Trade Enterprise is its dedication to supporting local producers and strengthening the local economy in the Italian peninsula. By embracing short supply chains, they cultivate resilience, fairness, and sustainability. Their commitment to these principles serves as an inspiring example for others, showcasing the transformative power of sustainable practices and local collaboration.
Taller Maya
Taller Maya is a platform that arises from the Economic Development program of Fundación Haciendas del Mundo Maya, with the aim of promoting social and economic development in rural communities from the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
Founded in 2002, Taller Maya focuses on uplifting the skilled craftsmanship of the local artisans and producing unique handmade objects. Every creation that emerges from Taller Maya's artisans is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship combined with modern aesthetics. Each piece carries the essence of Mayan culture, bearing witness to centuries of tradition and embodying the stories and wisdom passed down through generations.
Today, this Fair Trade Enterprise works with over 42 artisan workshops in 32 communities of the Yucatan Peninsula, preserving traditions otherwise lost and spreading our 10 Fair Trade Principles far and wide.
Do you have a story of your alternative business to tell?
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