Fairtrade Coffee Explained: Why it Matters and How You Can Make a Difference

What is Fairtrade Coffee?

Labelling coffee as Fairtrade means a commitment to better standards for coffee producers, their communities, and the environment. At its core, Fairtrade certification ensures that coffee co-operatives and farmers receive fair prices for their products, which covers not only the cost of production but also supports fair wages and improved working practices. This means that by choosing Fairtrade coffee, you’re directly contributing to the welfare of farmers and their families.

Why Does Fairtrade Coffee Matter?

1. Empowering Farmers and Communities

Fairtrade standards are designed to empower farmers by giving them a better deal. This leads to more stable incomes and can lift communities out of poverty. Farmers are also given premiums that can be invested back into their communities, funding education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects.

2. Ethical Labour Practices

Unfortunately, the coffee industry has historically been plagued by issues such as child labour and unsafe working conditions. Fairtrade certification requires adherence to strict labour standards, ensuring that workers have safe environments, fair wages, and the right to organise. Longterm, Fairtrade has helped to lift industry working standards worldwide.

3. Environmental Sustainability

Coffee farming can have significant environmental impacts, from deforestation to pesticide use. Fairtrade and other ethical organisations like Rainforest Alliance promote sustainable agricultural practices. This includes protecting water resources, conserving biodiversity, and reducing the use of harmful agrochemicals. By supporting these practices, we help ensure that coffee production can continue for future generations without depleting natural resources.

How You Can Make a Difference

1. Choose Fairtrade Certified Products

The most direct way to support Fairtrade coffee is to purchase products that carry the Fairtrade certification. Look for the Fairtrade logo when buying coffee beans, grounds, or even brewed coffee from your local café.

2. Support Ethical Brands

Brands like Indigo Valley are dedicated to sourcing only from certified Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance coffee growing farms and communities. By supporting companies like ours, you’re making an intentional choice to promote ethical practices and transparency within the coffee industry.

3. Spread the Word

Raise awareness about the importance of Fairtrade coffee within your community. Share information with friends and family, and encourage them to make ethical choices too. If you run a business, consider offering Fairtrade coffee to your employees or customers.

4. Engage with the Supply Chain

As a café owner or facilities manager, you have the power to influence the supply chain by choosing to source coffee from ethical suppliers. Partner with us to show that you are committed to transparency and sustainability. At Indigo Valley, we ensure that every step of our coffee’s journey is traceable and transparent, so you can feel confident in your supply chain.

Our mission is to get all coffee drinkers sipping better, higher quality coffee that thrives within a transparent and ethical supply chain. To protect the future of coffee for all, we must be acutely aware of what we’re purchasing, sourcing, buying, and consuming. Whether you’re a café owner, a facilities manager, or simply searching for an ethical subscription, joining Indigo Valley means taking a small yet impactful step towards sustainability that benefits both people and the planet. 

So next time you reach for a cup of coffee, think about its journey from farm to cup. Choose Fairtrade, support sustainability, and join Indigo Valley in making every sip count.