Fairtrade India, in collaboration with the Fairtrade Network of Asia Pacific Producers, is proud to announce the successful culmination of the First National Fairtrade Conference in India. This groundbreaking event highlights a remarkable advancement in sustainable and ethical commerce within India and emphasizes the increasing recognition and engagement with the Fairtrade Label across various sectors. Independent research commissioned by Fairtrade India reveals a significant upswing in awareness of the Fairtrade Label among SEC A consumers in Metros, rising from 10 percent in 2019 to an impressive 25 percent in 2022.
The two-day conference brought together over 150 delegates from across the Fairtrade ecosystem, including businesses, producers, partner organizations, industry experts, educational institutions, and consumers.
Mr. Abhishek Jani, CEO of Fairtrade India, shared his thoughts on the progress made, stating, “In 2022, Fairtrade Labelled product sales in India reached an impressive INR 23.93 Crores in Gross Merchandise Value, signaling a substantial growth in the demand for ethically and sustainably sourced products. Sustainable practices are empowering producers and businesses to gain a competitive edge, innovate, and enhance their value proposition for consumers, all while improving their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance. Across FMCG, Fashion, Cosmetics, and HORECA sectors in India, businesses are recognizing that they can operate more responsibly and provide a superior value proposition to their customers. This aligns perfectly with the Government’s Mission LiFE, showcasing the growing momentum for Sustainable Consumption and Production in India.”
Mr. Jani further emphasized the importance of partnerships with renowned brands such as Indian Terrain, Being Human, Myntra-Here and Now, L’Oreal, Kimirica, Tea Culture of the World, and Makaibari Tea, stating, “These partnerships exemplify a shared commitment to promoting better livelihoods, sustainable sourcing, and responsible production. They highlight a new era where ethical values are setting industry standards and influencing consumer choices.”
Mr. Sanjeet Singh Khurana, Executive Director of Fairtrade NAPP (Asia Pacific), added, “We operate in 18 countries, with 289 Fairtrade-certified producer organizations across Asia-Pacific, including 112 in India, where we benefit close to 1,42,202 farmers and workers. Between 2017 and 2021, a total of INR 80 crore Fairtrade Premium was generated, funding Sustainable Development Goals-aligned community projects. Fairtrade India’s successes in 2022, along with this conference, which has brought together our diverse stakeholders, exemplify a growing dedication to ethical practices in India’s markets.”
In a significant announcement, Jindal Global Business School was recognized as the first Fairtrade Business School in India. Several notable Fairtrade business and education sector partners and producers were also honored during the conference, encouraging diverse institutions to embrace fair trade practices.
Aligned with SDG-12 (sustainable consumption and production pattern) and Mission LiFE (India-led global movement to promote sustainable lifestyles), the event focused on adopting sustainable practices in businesses and lifestyles, emphasizing their positive impact on society and the environment.
Supported by the SWITCH Asia Programme of the European Union for promoting SDG12, Fairtrade India’s mission revolves around empowering producers and guiding them toward responsible production practices while ensuring more remunerative market access. The National Fairtrade Conference serves as a testament to the establishment of a secure ecosystem that integrates economic, environmental, and social pillars, fostering a responsible consumer and business movement in the country.
About Fairtrade India
Fairtrade India is part of the global Fairtrade system that promotes fair and ethical trade practices, ensuring better livelihoods for producers and a sustainable future. Through partnerships with businesses, producers, and consumers, Fairtrade India aims to create a fairer and more just world.
