Feature Image – Cocoa Loco
The holiday season is here, bringing with it the joy of gift-giving—a wonderful opportunity to express our love and gratitude for friends, family, and everyone who brightens our lives. This year, I’m inviting both myself and you to go beyond the typical gifts and embrace something truly meaningful: Fairtrade products.
Why? Because every gift carries a story. By choosing Fairtrade products for your gifts, you share a narrative of fairness, sustainability, and positive change. It’s about supporting the farmers and workers behind the products we cherish while also caring for our planet. As we immerse ourselves in this festive season, let’s discover how our gifts can spread joy in multiple ways—both for our loved ones, the planet and for communities around the globe.
WHAT DOES FAIRTRADE MEAN?
Fairtrade is not merely a label; it represents a movement dedicated to promoting fairness and sustainability in global commerce. At its essence, Fairtrade guarantees that those who cultivate and produce our favourite products—be it coffee, chocolate, or cotton—are treated with respect, compensated fairly, and empowered to enhance their lives and communities.
Related – Are You Taking Part In Fairtrade Fortnight This Year?
the fairtrade mark
The Fairtrade Mark, managed by Fairtrade International, serves as your assurance that a product adheres to stringent international standards. These standards encompass various aspects, including fair wages and environmentally sustainable farming practices. Additionally, producers receive a special Fairtrade Premium, a financial incentive that is reinvested into community initiatives such as schools, healthcare, and clean water projects.
Currently, Fairtrade Standards are in place for 18 product categories, with the movement continuously expanding. In addition to Fairtrade-certified products, you can also discover fairly traded items from organisations like the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) and the British Association for Fair Trade Shops (BAFTS). Whether certified or fairly traded, these products emphasise the importance of people and the planet over profit. Certainly a message worth sharing during the festive season.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FAIRTRADE?
Fairtrade is a powerful catalyst for change, impacting every level of the supply chain, from producers to consumers.
For farmers and workers, Fairtrade offers a safety net through minimum pricing, safeguarding them from unpredictable market fluctuations. They also benefit from the Fairtrade Premium, as mentioned above, which enables them to invest in their communities. However, Fairtrade’s impact extends beyond financial support; it fosters democratic governance, promotes equality, and establishes robust standards that help producers safeguard their health, land, and livelihoods.
Businesses reap the rewards of Fairtrade’s reputable certification and expert advice on sustainability and due diligence, aligning with the rising consumer demand for ethical practices. For shoppers, the Fairtrade Mark serves as a symbol of trust, cutting through the noise of vague claims and greenwashing, assuring you that your purchase truly makes a difference.
Pioneering Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices
Fairtrade’s influence even reaches environmental sustainability. By banning harmful pesticides, promoting biodiversity, and equipping farmers to adapt to climate change, Fairtrade leads the way in eco-friendly practices. I honestly don’t see why we shouldn’t all buy and/or go Fairtrade.
WHY CHOOSE FAIRTRADE FOR CHRISTMAS GIFTING?
When looking for a loved one’s gift, choosing Fairtrade means offering them more than just a present. You are sharing hope, empowerment, and sustainability.
For the farmers and workers behind these products, your purchase translates into better wages, stronger communities, and the resources needed to tackle challenges like climate change. For you and your loved ones, Fairtrade gifts provide an opportunity to align your values with your actions. Whether it’s a beautifully packaged box of Fairtrade chocolates, a warm scarf crafted from Fairtrade-certified cotton, or a bottle of ethically sourced wine, these gifts carry significant meaning.
recommendations
This Christmas, let’s make our gifts truly impactful. With more than 37,000 Fairtrade products to choose from, the options are limitless. Together, we can foster a festive season filled with joy, fairness, and a brighter future for everyone. And as usual, I’ve brought you my tried-and-tested product recommendations for your gifting season.
cocoa loco
Cocoa Loco is an ethical chocolate company dedicated to creating Organic and Fairtrade chocolate since 2005. Founded by Sarah with a mission to address the mistreatment of cocoa farmers in developing countries, the company prioritizes fair payment for farmers’ crops.
To produce its Fairtrade chocolates in the UK, Cocoa Loco sources cocoa beans from the Dominican Republic, where 40,000 small-scale farmers benefit from Fairtrade initiatives. These programmes have supported the community by funding school construction and repairs, providing scholarships and equipment to underprivileged students, and establishing a new IT center to aid children with their education.
Navitas Organics
Navitas Organics’ Cacao Powder, grown in Sierra Leone using regenerative organic and Fairtrade-certified methods, reflects the brand’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. Navitas supports cocoa cooperatives, farmer education, reforestation, and fair labor initiatives. This versatile product features a pure chocolate flavor, ideal as a substitute for unsweetened cocoa powder in baking, beverages, and homemade treats. Available from iHerb in the UK.
TONY’S CHOCOLONELY
If you’re looking for great chocolate for your stockings fillers or work Secret Santa, then I’d say look no further than Tony’s Chocolonely. More than just dong chocolate, Tony’s is on a mission to create a 100% slave-free cocoa industry. Their delicious bars tackle the inequality in the cocoa supply chain, supporting farmers in West Africa with fair wages and sustainable practices.
Every bar of Tony’s Chocolonely tells a story of change, from the 100% traceable cocoa beans sourced directly from cooperatives in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana to the innovative BeanTracker system that guarantees transparency. By paying both a Fairtrade premium and an additional living income premium, Tony’s ensures farmers can earn a fair wage—an essential step toward ending forced and child labour.
Even the unique design of their chocolate bars, with unevenly sized pieces, reminds us of the inequality in the chocolate industry—a gap Tony’s is determined to close. Their commitment to fairness makes every bite meaningful. If you’re looking for festive packaging, I’d go with their choco gifts selection.
COGNATO WINES
For a truly unique and festive gift this Christmas, look no further than Cognato Wines—the first alcohol-free Fairtrade wine in the UK. Founded in 2018 and officially Fairtrade certified by 2020, Cognato Wines is committed to creating high-quality, sustainable wines with a focus on fair working conditions for all involved in the production process.
Produced in South Africa with a fully Fairtrade-certified supply chain, Cognato Wines ensures that every bottle—from vineyard to cork—upholds the principles of fairness and sustainability. Whether you’re gifting their elegant sparkling wine, launched in 2023, or another bottle from their range, you’ll be giving more than just a drink—you’re sharing a commitment to ethical production and the people behind it.
Perfect for holiday celebrations, Cognato Wines offers a delightful way to raise a glass while supporting a more sustainable and fair world (and not really drinking, by the way). An ideal choice for those who appreciate fine wine with a conscience, Cognato is available to buy online at The Alchol-Free Company and Club Soda.
DIVINE CHOCOLATE
Divine Chocolate also makes the perfect Christmas gift for anyone who enjoys indulgent treats with a meaningful background. As the UK’s first farmer-owned confectionery brand, Divine is co-owned by 85,000 members of Ghana’s Kuapa Kokoo cooperative. This innovative model guarantees that cocoa farmers receive a fairer share of the wealth they help create, placing them at the centre of the value chain.
Divine offers a delightful range of flavoured bars, but their organic dark chocolate collection truly stands out. Crafted with 100% organic, Fairtrade-certified cocoa from São Tomé, these bars are vegan-friendly and bursting with rich, irresistible flavours. By choosing Divine Chocolate, you’re not just giving a delicious treat—you’re empowering cocoa farmers and supporting fair trading relationships. It’s a gift that delights the taste buds while promoting fairness and goodwill. My pick? Their chocolate coins.
LIBERTY WINES
For those who appreciate a fine bottle of wine, Liberty Wines offers an exceptional selection that combines world-class quality with a commitment to ethical sourcing. Founded in 1997, Liberty Wines has built a stellar reputation in the UK and Ireland’s premium wine sector, offering a portfolio of over 400 producers from 25 countries. Their long-standing relationships with producers and unwavering commitment to customer service have earned them multiple awards and made them a go-to distributor for leading restaurants, hotels, and retailers.
What makes Liberty Wines a perfect Christmas gift is their dedication to Fairtrade principles. All the wines they supply come from fully traceable Fairtrade-certified supply chains, ensuring the people behind the bottles are paid fairly and work in safe, sustainable conditions. Whether you’re picking up a bottle for a holiday celebration or as a thoughtful gift, Liberty Wines offers an ethically sourced, high-quality choice for wine lovers. Their selection is available online through retailers like Vinvm, Honest Grapes, and Noble Green Wines.
THE FAIR TRADE STORE
If you’re feeling stuck on what to gift your loved ones this Christmas, let The Fair Trade Store inspire you. This online marketplace is a treasure trove of beautifully curated, ethical gifts sourced exclusively from Fair Trade producers around the developing world. From home decor to handmade accessories, every item is as unique as it is impactful.
Shopping with The Fair Trade Store means more than just ticking off your Christmas list—it’s a chance to directly support some of the world’s poorest communities. Every purchase contributes to improving lives, ensuring fair wages, and promoting sustainable development. Plus, even their packaging stays true to their ethos, with fully Fairtrade-certified materials delivering your gifts with care.
Whether you’re hunting for a one-of-a-kind present or simply browsing for ideas, The Fair Trade Store offers peace of mind that your gift will make a real difference. This Christmas, give gifts that give back and spread a little extra joy where it’s needed most. Plus, UK delivery is totally free.
pico
Pico is a British brand offering soft, organic, and Fairtrade-certified cotton underwear for men and women. The British brand is fully vegan and all its products are Fairtrade International – Small Producers Organisations certified. Pico works transparently with a small Fairtrade factory in southern India, sourcing organic cotton from Fairtrade farmer cooperatives. The brand is committed to sustainability, focusing on regenerative farming in the UK and India. Recently, Pico received a grant from the British Council and UAL to develop 100% organic cotton regenerative underwear, which is fully biodegradable.
FANFARE
Fanfare Label is a fashion brand with a purpose and is the perfect option for the stylish and eco-conscious individuals in your life. As a circular clothing brand, Fanfare Label defies the conventions of fast fashion by crafting timeless pieces inspired by Fairtrade principles that honour both people and the environment.
Fanfare’s standout offerings, such as their eye-catching and vibrant sustainable jeans, demonstrate that ethical fashion can be anything but boring. Each garment is meticulously made using Fairtrade-certified inks and sustainable materials, including OEKO-TEX-certified cotton. Their dedication to rescuing textiles and revitalising deadstock fabrics ensures that your gift not only helps reduce overproduction but also supports fair labour practices.
To make your gifting experience even more delightful, the brand offers a 15% discount on your first order when you sign up with the Fanfare Label newsletter.
HAPPY EARTH APPAREL
If you’re seeking to blend style, comfort, and a genuine commitment to sustainability this Christmas, Happy Earth Apparel is an excellent choice for your gifts. Their clothing, made entirely from organic cotton, reflects their dedication to safeguarding both people and the planet. By avoiding polyester and harmful chemicals, Happy Earth Apparel guarantees that its products are gentle on the environment, as well as on those who wear them.
What makes Happy Earth Apparel stand out is its steadfast commitment to ethical practices. More than 95% of their products are produced in Fair Trade-certified factories, following a strict Code of Conduct grounded in International Labour Organisation principles. This means that your gift is not only beautiful but also responsibly made, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for workers’ rights in every seam. Plus, you can enjoy a 15% discount on your first order (or 20% if you sign up for SMS marketing)—making it easier than ever to give the gift of sustainability this holiday season.
the good tee
The Good Tee, a Fairtrade Certified B Corp brand, aims to humanize the fashion industry by fostering transparency, better working conditions, and sustainability throughout its supply chain, from seed to shelf. Partnering with Fairtrade Canada, it supports sustainable livelihoods, safeguards ecosystems, and builds transparent supply chains through third-party certification. By paying a premium to assist Fairtrade cotton farmers in India, The Good Tee addresses critical issues like high farmer suicide rates.
Additionally, its Fair Trade Certified factories uphold strict social, environmental, and economic standards to ensure worker health and safety. Wearing The Good Tee means looking good while promoting dignity and freedom for its makers.
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