There are numerous organizations all around the globe that exist to create fair trade relationships between consumers, companies, and producers. The most established of these organizations is Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International, or FLO.
Currently, there are more than 20 different countries that are a part of this international organization, and each country uses their own fair trade label according to FLO guidelines. In the United States, Fair Trade Certified products are determined by Transfair USA.
Look for the label:
The easiest way to buy fair trade items is to look for the Fair Trade Certified label. Different labels mean different things, so be sure to look carefully.
Shop at the Right Stores:
Even if you are on the lookout for the fair trade label, it's hard to find if you're not in the right place. The following are some better-known stores that feature fair trade products:
- Costco
- Fred Meyer
- Giant
- Harris Teeter
- Kroger
- Publix
- Quality Food Center
- Safeway
- Sam's Club
- Shaw's Supermarket
- Stop 'n' Shop
- Target
- Trader Joe's
- Wegman's
- Whole Foods Market
- Wild Oats
You can also look for the fair trade label at some of your favorite restaurants and specialty shops. The following locations offer specialty fair trade products:
- Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops: Vanilla, Chocolate, Coffee or Coffee Heath Bar Crunch Ice Creams
- Bruegger's: Fair Trade Certified Coffee
- Caribou Coffee: Fair Trade Blend
- Dunkin' Donuts: All hot or iced espresso drinks
- Einstein Bagels: Global Village Fair Trade Blend
- Noah's Bagels: Fair Trade Certified Brewed Coffee
- Peet's Coffee and Tea: Fair Trade Blend
- Seattle's Best Coffee: Fair Trade Certified Organic French Roast
- Starbucks Coffee: Cafe Estima
- Tully's Coffee: All hot or iced espresso drinks
