If you spend much time shopping, you have probably noticed a wide variety of labels on boxes, bottles, and other packaging. Some labels can be misleading, while others provide essential distinctions from other products. Consequently, it is important to know what they mean. When a product is labeled “Fair Trade Certified,” it is a good thing, but most people cannot state why. What does it mean to be Fair Trade Certified, and what are the accompanying benefits? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Fair Trade Certification?
“Fair Trade Certification” refers to products that come from farms, factories, etc. with legally certified working conditions. In other words, the product is produced in an ethical work environment. Items that are Fair Trade Certified must meet a list of criteria, including the following.
- Safe, healthy work conditions for those sourcing the product (or the ingredients for the product)
- Fair wages for the task performed, often with additional benefits such as insurance
- No child labor or discrimination against employees for gender, religion, etc.
- Environmentally-conscious sourcing by the farm or factory in question
- Fair wages for the leading farmer as well as the farmer’s employees
Remember, the final product marketed by a manufacturer begins as a group of ingredients. In order to be truly Fair Trade Certified, every person involved in the sourcing of those ingredients must receive a fair wage from an acceptable work environment.
Most of the time, you will see a Fair Trade Certification label on agricultural products such as coffees, teas, produce, sugar, flour, honey, herbs, etc. However, a final product (the result of combining many of these ingredients) should also be certified.
The Benefits of Sourcing Ethically
As a consumer, it is extremely important to look for Fair Trade products. Not only does it show support to businesses that treat workers fairly and honestly, but it also ensures that you invest in a quality item.
Local, ethically sourced ingredients are almost always better than mass-produced, cheap products. Why? Well, in order to be Fair Trade Certified, farmers must grow healthy, environmentally friendly crops. Free from extra toxins and pesticides, the resulting ingredients are much healthier, fresher, nutritious, and better-tasting.
We Pride Ourselves on Local Sourcing!
At Sanaa Chocolates, we source the ingredients for our chocolates from local farmers whenever possible. If not possible, we participate in ethical trading with our global partners.
Fair Trade Certification is extremely important to us, as well as the overall quality of our ingredients. Chocolate is all about balancing the sweet, decadent flavors of fresh ingredients with beautiful, delicate artwork and a creamy texture.
Contact Us to Learn More!
Chocolate is our passion, and we want to share our passion with you! Learn more about our business here or shop our wide variety of bonbons. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to call us today.
