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During the 70’s and 80’s
Fair Trade import organizations are created in many European countries, approximately a hundred exist today in 18 countries. The most well-known are the Fair Trade Organisatie ( Netherlands), World Shops (Great-Britain and Belgium), Artisans du Monde (“World Craftsmen” France), Claro ( Switzerland), Botteghe del mondo ( Italy), GEPA ( Germany), Equal Exchange ( United States) and Bridgehead ( Canada).
Fair Trade import organizations also exist in Australia, Canada, Japan and in the United States.
Import organizations buy their products directly from producers in the South, they sell them through Fair Trade stores or World Shops, solidarity groups, mail order catalogues, organization volunteers, organic stores, local stores and community organizations such as cafeterias, enterprises, public administration, etc.
Until the mid-80’s, most Fair Trade sales are achieved within a limited circle of alternative stores and groups focused on improving North - South trade relations and social equality.
However, Fair Trade gradually evolved towards the traditional retail and wholesale channels. This growth continued in 1988 with the first Fair Trade label in the Netherlands: Max Havelaar. Following the creation of this label, other labels such as TransFair International, Fair Trade Foundation, Reilun Kaupan and Rattvisemarkt emerged.
Labeling organizations bring together a number of concerned groups (NGO’s involved in development or environment issues, religious organizations, unions, etc.) all of which participate in promoting the “certified Fair Trade” concept, brands and logos and in introducing these labeled products in the supermarkets.
Labeling organizations offer commercial import enterprises a complete register with detailed information about certified groups of producers, criteria for Fair Trade practices in the north as well as labels that identify and distinguish the Fair Trade products.
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