Fair Trade USA has released its round-up of new commitments and product launches in the first quarter – and it shows a greater shift toward transparent and ethical sourcing in retail, packaged goods and sustainable seafood. 

As the pressing need for more social and environmental justice continues to surface during the COVID-19 pandemic, brands and retailers are stepping up and implementing initiatives like fair trade that support supply chain equity and sustainability. 

By making commitments to fair trade and launching new products, brands and retailers make Fair Trade Certified goods more widely available, meaning farmers, workers and fishers receive the support they need to overcome adversity and create more sustainable livelihoods.

Commitment round-up
Fair Trade USA notes how retailer responsibility is ramping up with its long-term partner Whole Foods Market, which launched Sourced for Good, an exclusive third-party certification program. It helps consumers identify responsibly sourced products that bear a special “Sourced for Good” seal. 

Fair Trade USA is one of five certifications included in Whole Foods’ Sourced for Good program. Previously known as the “Whole Trade Guarantee,” the program has generated millions of dollars to support hundreds of communities across 12 countries.

Aldi, the second-largest private label purchaser of Fair Trade Certified coffee, will expand its assortment of sustainably sourced coffee and continue to offer sustainable cocoa and seafood. 

The expansion and ethical sourcing of the three commodities is part of the retailer’s new sustainability charter, which commits to protecting the planet and ecosystems by 2030. 

By the end of 2022, all Barissimo and Simply Nature coffees (Aldi’s private labels) will be joining more than 40 coffee products currently certified as sustainable by approved third-party organizations, including Fair Trade USA. 

Since 2018, Aldi’s partnership with Fair Trade USA has generated over US$2.5 million in Community Development Funds paid back to producer communities. 

As part of its “green vision,” Aldi is also committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 26 percent by 2025, diverting 90 percent of operational waste by 2025, reducing food waste by 50 percent by 2030, and supporting communities by incorporating more sustainable and ethical buying practices.

The Fair Trade Certified seal will now be carried on all Kvarøy Arctic fresh, frozen burgers, hot dogs and smoked salmon sold in the US.

Sustainable snacks gain traction 
The Black Forest will launch Fair Trade Certified Organic Fruit Snacks by 2022 as a part of its ten-year plan to become a sustainable brand. Currently, snack lovers can support farmworkers by purchasing Black Forest Organic Fruit Snacks that are made with Fair Trade Certified sugar. 

The company pledges to use 100 percent recyclable, reusable and compostable packaging by 2025 and plant ten million trees by 2030 in its partnership with the National Forest Foundation. 

Wholesum Harvest recently launched a 100 percent Fair Trade Certified Flavor Lineup collection featuring organic snacking tomatoes. The family-owned company celebrated the biggest year for its fair trade program to date. 

Wholesum’s seven-year partnership with Fair Trade USA has generated more than US$5.8 million in Community Development Funds, with over US$1.4 million raised last year.

Sustainable seafood advancing 
In March, Fair Trade USA announced its partnership with Kvarøy Arctic, making the third-generation sustainable Atlantic salmon producer the first to offer Fair Trade Certified farmed finfish after an extensive vetting process of salmon farm’s social, environmental and economic impacts. 

The Fair Trade Certified seal will now be carried on all Kvarøy Arctic fresh, frozen burgers, hot dogs and smoked salmon sold in the US. All of Kvarøy Arctic’s processors, including Vega Salmon, Het Urker, Eat Salmon of Norway and Santa Barbara Smokehouse, now also carry the Fair Trade Certified seal to signify its seafood products were grown, harvested, manufactured and traded in ways that improve livelihoods and protect the environment.  

Through the Fair Trade USA program, Community Development Funds will directly go to farmers and workers who will manage and invest the funds to support the growth of educational programs and community projects on Kvarøy Island. 

Additionally, Africa-based fishing company, Afritex Ventures, made Fair Trade Certified tuna loins available in the US market for the first time in partnership with grocer Fresh Thyme Market. 

With every purchase of Afritex’s Fair Trade Certified tuna loins, fishermen and factory associates in Mozambique who are responsible for bringing the restaurant quality seafood to kitchens worldwide earn Community Development Funds on top of wages.  

Fair Trade USA says it is the first and only program to offer industry and consumers a holistic choice in sourcing responsible seafood that positively impacts social, environmental, and economic issues throughout the supply chain. 

Underpinned by a human rights approach, Fair Trade USA standards go beyond fisheries and farms by protecting workers’ rights within the certified supply chain. 

“Through our seafood program, fishers, farmers and workers have earned an additional two million dollars in Community Development Funds, which they have put to use on environmental impact projects like habitat protection, pollution cleanup and much more,” says Paul Rice, founder, and CEO of Fair Trade USA.