What is Fair Trade?
Fair Trade is a trading
partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater
equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development
by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized
producers and workers - especially in the South. Fair Trade organizations
(backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness
raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional
international trade.
Myths about Fair Trade
Fair Trade coffee doesn’t taste as good.
The most ridiculous of all the excuses made by non-fair trade sellers and buyers. Paying a plantation worker a wage which allows them to send their children to school has no effect the flavour of the coffee bean.
This myth came about because at first fair trade producers did not have the access to the market that the global brands had. This is no longer the case.
And remember, there is no reason why a global corporation cannot afford to pay their workers a fair wage. Demand fair trade from everyone, even multinationals.
Fair Trade coffee is too expensive.
Paying a fair wage at every stage in the process of coffee production results in an increase in price of about 3c per cup. The Fair Trade Coffee Company is happy to absorb that cost.
Fair Trade is anti-competitive.
With workers are often receiving less than 1% of the amount paid by consumers, it takes a minor effort by the western corporations to lift the basic wage of the majority of their work force.
It is not anti-competitive if all organisations recognise their moral and social responsibilities. In fact if consumers unite to demand fairly traded products, the increase in sales to the corporation will more then make up for the minimal expenditure.
Fair Trade creates false economies in developing nations.
Fair Trade creates economies in developing nations. The effect of giving farmers or manufacturers a fair wage will flow through the community, increasing access to health and education and increasing opportunity.
In addition, products which are certified fair trade give a percentage of their profits back to community projects which reduces the poverty of entire communities.
“The West really has to understand that Africans don’t want aid, they need aid, and what Africa desires and what (it) deserves is trade as a route out of their present difficulties.” – Bono, U2
Fair trade is a marketing gimmick or a fad.
The Fair Trade Coffee Company do not claim exclusive rights to fair trade. If Nestle, Starbucks, Nike, Adidas and every other business in the world want to ensure all their products are non-exploitative we will applaud them for it. Of course they will only change their policies if you, the consumers do.
Myths about Fair Trade
Fair Trade coffee doesn’t taste as good.
The most ridiculous of all the excuses made by non-fair trade sellers and buyers. Paying a plantation worker a wage which allows them to send their children to school has no effect the flavour of the coffee bean.
This myth came about because at first fair trade producers did not have the access to the market that the global brands had. This is no longer the case.
And remember, there is no reason why a global corporation cannot afford to pay their workers a fair wage. Demand fair trade from everyone, even multinationals.
Fair Trade coffee is too expensive.
Paying a fair wage at every stage in the process of coffee production results in an increase in price of about 3c per cup. The Fair Trade Coffee Company is happy to absorb that cost.
Fair Trade is anti-competitive.
With workers are often receiving less than 1% of the amount paid by consumers, it takes a minor effort by the western corporations to lift the basic wage of the majority of their work force.
It is not anti-competitive if all organisations recognise their moral and social responsibilities. In fact if consumers unite to demand fairly traded products, the increase in sales to the corporation will more then make up for the minimal expenditure.
Fair Trade creates false economies in developing nations.
Fair Trade creates economies in developing nations. The effect of giving farmers or manufacturers a fair wage will flow through the community, increasing access to health and education and increasing opportunity.
In addition, products which are certified fair trade give a percentage of their profits back to community projects which reduces the poverty of entire communities.
“The West really has to understand that Africans don’t want aid, they need aid, and what Africa desires and what (it) deserves is trade as a route out of their present difficulties.” – Bono, U2
Fair trade is a marketing gimmick or a fad.
The Fair Trade Coffee Company do not claim exclusive rights to fair trade. If Nestle, Starbucks, Nike, Adidas and every other business in the world want to ensure all their products are non-exploitative we will applaud them for it. Of course they will only change their policies if you, the consumers do.
Garlic Bread
(Italy)
A classic start to any meal.
Vegi Tofu Hot Pot
(China)
Thinly sliced vegetables, mushroms and tofu gently cooked in a delicately flavoured vegetable broth.
Brought to your table flaming hot.
Sweet Potato in Ginger
(Thailand)
Cubes of sweet potato served in a light ginger syrup.
View our full dinner menu (pdf)
(Thurs - Sat)
