Fair Trade and The Craft Beverage Industry
One of the many reasons I love being a part of the craft beverage industry, is the passion for the quality and character of its products. Whether its coffee, beer, wine or spirits, the care that goes into securing quality ingredients is what makes our industry unique. Perhaps this is best exemplified by those in our industry who do business exclusively with Fair Trade companies.
The average price per pound paid to farmers for Fair Trade Certified coffee in 2009 was $1.69, well above the average market price of $1.25. – Fair Trade USA
What Is Fair Trade?
Fair trade is best described as an alternative to traditional trade because of the unique partnership it fosters between producers and consumers. Fair trade allow both producer and consumer to take advantage of benefits within a free market. For producers, Fair Trade practices upgrade the terms of trade. They have the advantage of improved wages, better options for credit and direct selling privileges. These advantages encourage producers to adhere to stricter economic, social and environmental principles. (Reference: Giselle Achecar & EcoRicoTV)
An advocate for Fair Trade and friend of Craft Beverage Jobs, Giselle Achecar uses her YouTube hit show EcoRicoTV to promote the advantages of Fair Trade. In this 3 minute excerpt, Giselle breaks down the advantage that Fair Trade brings to the Chocolate industry.
Fair Trade & Craft Beverage Products
Coffee
Fair Trade guarantees Coffee farmers a set minimum price for their harvest which helps cover production costs. It also connects farmer-run cooperatives directly with importers from the United States.
Wine
South American and South African wine growers benefit from Fair Trade practices because of the stable incomes it brings. Also, safe working environments ensure that vineyards are free from the abuses of child labor.
Spirits
Fair Trade spirits come from Fair trade ingredients like sugar and quinoa. Fluctuating prices and the difficulty with getting sugar cane to the U.S. market, makes sugar cane farmers some of the most impoverished in the world. Fair trade connects farmers directly to buyers, ensuring good prices for their harvest and access to markets around the world.
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References: Fair Trade USA & EcoRico TV.
Highlight Your Craft Beverage Business With Craft Beverage Jobs
Do you presently have a job opening but your having difficulty getting the word out? Let Craft Beverage Jobs do it for you. We want to be your jobs board as your grow your company. One of the ways Craft Beverage Jobs has set itself apart in the industry, is that we not only promote your specific job opening, but we promote YOU as a craft business.
Our Featured Job Listing is a unique way to market your craft business and fill job positions with great employees. Check out the list of advantages when you sign up for our Featured Job Listing:
- 40 Day Listing
- Shared via Our Extensive Social Media Outlets
- Employer Dashboard
- Add Links & Images
- Featured On CBJ Website
- Featured In Blog Post
Video is also a great way to market your craft business. Take a look at this recent interview by Craft Beverage Jobs founder, Cindy Molchany and CEO of Fullsteam Brewery, Sean Wilson.