5 Places to Get Fair Trade Products in the UK

From coffee to ice cream and shoes to chocolate. Purchasing fair trade, as well as ethically-sourced products have become more convenient in the UK, especially now that these products have populated the shelves.

Why consider fair trade products? Well, fair trade products give the assurance that farmers and workers receive fair wages, gives a guarantee that they're working in safe conditions, prevents abusive child labor practices, and it promotes environmentally-sustainable farming methods. Furthermore, fair trade also assists in community development programs, such as healthcare and leadership programs that can help the community to grow and become successful. Without further ado, here are the 5 places to get fair trade products in the UK:

1. Sainsbury's

In the UK, Sainsbury's is considered as the largest retailer of fair trade goods worldwide, and some of the great variety of fair trade foods being offered by Sainsbury's include the following:

- Market of Choice: They offer fair trade coffee, and a wide range of fair trade chocolates.

- Wegmans: They offer fair trade home crafts, as well as kitchenware. Likewise, they also have fair trade coffee.

- Whole foods: They have their very own fair trade program called, “Whole Trade.” The program's main purpose is to give the assurance that Whole Foods doesn't carry products that aren't sustainably produced by companies that treat people inhumanely.

2. The Cooperative

The Cooperative has been supporting fair trade products ever since the discovery of fair trade back in 1994, and in 1998, they launched their long-term plan to showcase fair trade products. In the new millennium, they have developed their own-label range of fair trade products. For the past few years, the Cooperative has stocked around 150 own-brand products, and more than 50 branded fair trade products.

3. ASDA

ASDA is fully aware that the UK locals care about fair trade and organic products. That's why they're trying their best to get as many on the shelf for them as possible, without negatively affecting the prices.

They work hand in hand with the Fairtrade Foundation to ensure that the products being produced are up to UK standards. Likewise, buying a product with a Fairtrade logo gives a guarantee that it's produced by workers in a safe and decent environment.

4. The Fair Trade Store

The Fair Trade Store is dedicated to bringing quality, handmade fair trade products at a very competitive price-- this includes recycled fashion accessories, jewelries, home ware, and fair trade gift all over the world.

The products being sold from their shop are unique and usually not available in department stores and supermarkets in the UK, this allows their customers to purchase something that's special and one of a kind. Thus, they have garnered a lot of regular, satisfied customers who are always looking forward to what they have to offer.

They believe that they're more than just an online gift shop, but a “social commerce” business too, and they would love to keep in touch with everyone else! 

5. Oxfam

Oxfam has been involved with fair trade for more than 4 decades, and in 1991, they co-founded Cafedirect-- UK's sixth largest coffee brand. Though, what makes Oxfam quite notable is the fact that they sell recycled products, that it helps in lessening the volume of waste being sent to the landfill. This is their own advocate-- to protect the environment.

Final Thoughts

Shopping for any kind of fair trade products isn't only easy, but it's also beneficial for the communities around the world and the environment. So, next time you buy something, look at the Fair Trade logo-- this will serve as your guarantee that you're only purchasing products that are fair trade certified.