Cadburys Introducing a FairTrade Scheme?

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Fair Trade - Well Done, Cadburys! by John Francis Higgins

FairTrade has recently had a boost. Cadburys, the world famous producers of chocolate, have announced that they are to support a FairTrade scheme. It is really great news! This is a large scheme that will help thousands of farmers and their families for many years to come. In fact, it will help tens of thousands people.

Cadburys first started to import the raw material for their chocolate bars, cocoa, from Ghana, over one hundred years ago. It is once again that country who will be entering into the new agreement with the company.

FairTrade agreements promise to pay producers at least a living wage for their goods. There are quite a number of standards that a scheme must meet to be accepted into the scheme, but this is the basic one. A fair day's pay for a fair day's work. There are also several other benchmarks that a scheme must meet, including that no children will be exploited in the manufacturer of produce.

The news will make such a difference to many, many people. The agreement promises to pay a minimum amount for a number of years. This has the added advantage that producers will be able to plan their production over several years. The stability that this planning brings will enable growers to be efficient, and, hopefully, profitable, in their businesses.

Some people may see this move as a great, charitable, act. Indeed, Cadburys has a long history of philanthropy, going right back to the very start of the company. However, this deal makes excellent business sense, too.

Chocolate can only be made with the right quantity of supply of the right quality of cocoa. Without that there is, quite simply, no chocolate. Security of raw material supply is a key goal for any manufacturer and that is exactly hat Cadbury has achieved here.

The consumer will benefit in at least two ways. Firstly, they will have a supply of their cherished chocolate bars assured and, secondly, they will be reassured that it has been produced ethically, without child labour and having given the growers a good deal. People will be able to enjoy that FairTrade feel-good factor as they munch their chocolate bar!

Shareholders, similarly, will be able to sleep soundly at night. Not only do they know that the manufacturer has secured its basic raw material, but it has also given its product the added benefit of being associated with the FairTrade brand, and that can only lead to an enhancement for the products. The consumer will be given a choice at the checkout - FairTrade chocolate or the ordinary stuff - and may well find that the FairTrade benefits win them over. That is good news for the Producers, the manufacturer, the shareholder and the Consumer.

Believe or not, this is the very point that FairTrade supporters often make. It is not just about being charitable or even being generous to the farmers and producers. It is about recognising that we must change the way we do business. Supplying the consumer with what they need, the fair treatment of overseas workers, and the protection of the environment, are all intricately linked.

The organic issue is a great example. Farmers who produce the raw products for so much of our food are often based overseas and work as family oriented communities. They have a long history and a huge experience of working closely with Mother Nature. This means that they know how to produce organic produce and to do so to a very high standard.

Put this into our shops and you get a quality, organic product with a great Unique Selling Proposition. The consumer gets what they want, and so do the suppliers.

There are many, many examples but that puts the point across. FairTrade, Consumerism and the environment can and must work together and we will all get a Fair Deal.

John Higgins writes for the quality financial press and is passionate about FairTrade. Keep up to date about FairTrade matters at FairTrade Information and find FairTrade gifts at FairTrade UK.

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