We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2023 Fairtrade Global Awards, recognizing the outstanding and innovative contributions from businesses to create a fair and just global trade system across the world.
Hosted by Fairtrade Africa, the Fairtrade Global Awards feature a diverse range of eight categories celebrating excellence in ethical and sustainable trade practices, from climate action to living wages and income.
The judging panel for the 2023 Fairtrade Global Awards was drawn from a group of experts and leaders deeply committed to ethical trade practices and sustainability, who brought a wealth of experience, knowledge, and passion to the evaluation process.
Winners
Fairtrade Climate Leader Award
Winner: Co-op, UK;
Runner up: HPW Fresh and Dry Limited, Ghana
Fairtrade Innovation Award
Winner: Equifruit, Canada;
Runner up: Nestle Nespresso SA, Switzerland
Fairtrade Living Income Leader Award
Winner: Fairtrade Original, Netherlands;
Runner up: DRWakefield, UK & Netherlands
Fairtrade Asia and Pacific Award
Winner: Nature Pearls Private Limited, India;
Runner up: Ceylbee International (Pvt) Ltd, Sri Lanka
Fairtrade Latin America and Caribbean Award
Winner: Green and Blacks (Mondelez International), UK;
Runner up: Delica AG, Switzerland
Leading Fairtrade Influencer
Winner: Marike de Peña, President CLAC
Fairtrade Africa
Description: This category seeks to recognize businesses that are committed to sourcing from Africa while actively supporting the Fairtrade agenda.
Judging Criteria: This award emphasizes on Fairtrade commitment and impact in Africa. The criteria assessed the number of premium payments, level of project support, marketing campaign development, producer inclusion in decision-making, support for Fairtrade advocacy, volume sourced from producers, and engagement with producers in long-term partnerships.
Winner
Ivoirienne de Noix de Cajou SA , Route d’Adzopé, Azaguié, Côte d’Ivoire (under the group brand “Cashew Coast”)
FLO ID: 41181
Country: Côte d’Ivoire
Nurturing Sustainable Communities
In the heart of Côte d’Ivoire, Ivoirienne de Noix de Cajou, operating under the brand “Cashew Coast,” is transforming the cashew industry with unwavering dedication. With direct sourcing from smallholder cashew growers, Cashew Coast’s integrated supply chain ensures transparency, eliminating middlemen and corruption risks.
Cashew Coast empowers over 7,000 farmers, guiding them towards organic certification, safeguarding the environment, and fostering thriving communities. Their commitment extends beyond harvests, aiding cooperatives and providing gender-focused training. Clean water, financial literacy, and in terest-free school loans combat child labor and enhance livelihoods.
They prioritize employees, offering stability, healthcare, and opportunities, with a focus on gender equality. Their remarkable journey continues, with plans to expand their reach, promote local branding, and process by-products sustainably, all leading to a brighter future for all. Explore their story online for a deeper look into their Fairtrade Africa journey.
Runner’s Up
Omniflora Blumencenter GmbH
FLO ID: 3638
Country: Germany
Omniflora: Cultivating Fairtrade Excellence in Floral Industry
Omniflora, a pioneering force in the floral industry, has redefine d the Fairtrade landscape for African flowers in Europe. Beyond innovating the presence of Fairtrade blooms in supermarkets, they’ve also led the charge in establishing their prominence in German florist shops.
Omniflora’s future endeavors include diversifying their flower range, expanding beyond roses, as value-added farm-made bouquets promise greater prosperity for both growers and the Premium Committee. With over €770,000 in Premium contributions in 2022 and a staggering sales volume exceeding 82 million stems, Omniflora has consistently championed Fairtrade roses since 2005. Their commitment extends beyond business; it’s the very core of their mission.
For a closer look at their certified Fairtrade flowers, visit www.omniflora.shop
Fairtrade Partner of the Year Award
Description: It all boils down to collaboration. This award recognizes existing commitments, strong two-way relationships with producer groups, and willingness to innovate and test new approaches in collaboration with Fairtrade.
Judging Criteria: This category evaluated the progressive conversion of an organization’s product ranges to Fairtrade, commitment to Fairtrade sourcing beyond contractual agreements, sales promotion efforts, sales turnover of Fairtrade products, the sha re of Fairtrade products in categories, integration of producer groups in initiatives, marketing and communication strategies, diversity and inclusivity in the organization, and participation in Fairtrade activities. These criteria also focused on the organization’s dedication to Fairtrade principles and its social impact in producer communities and the environment.
Winner
Ben & Jerry’s
FLO ID: 22337 (Ben & Jerry’s Homemade, Inc., Vermont)
FLO ID: 25245 (Unilever Europe BV)
Country: America
Ben & Jerry’s: Pioneering Fairtrade Commitment in Ice Cream
Ben & Jerry’s, a renowned ice cream manufacturer, has displayed a deep commitment to Fairtrade principles, using Fairtrade Certified ingredients such as cocoa, vanilla, sugar, bananas, coffee, and almonds in their products. Since 200 5, they have been pioneers, becoming the first ice cream maker globally to adopt Fairtrade Certified components. By 2015, they successfully transitioned all their flavors to Fairtrade certification, significantly expanding the Fairtrade system and raising awareness.
In 2021, their ice cream sales generated over $5.24 million in Fairtrade Premium, benefiting more than 265,000 farmers across 15 countries. They have partnered with Fairtrade on initiatives like the Producer Development Initiative (PDI) and are actively engaged in the Living Income Accelerator (LIA) programs. Ben & Jerry’s plans to continue supporting Fairtrade and expanding their commitment to other ingredients while promoting innovations like FairVoice.
Runner’s Up
Coop Genossenschaft
FLO ID: 1028
Country: Switzerland
Coop’s 30-Year Fairtrade Journey: Championing Ethical Trade and Living Incomes.
Coop’s 30-year partnership with Fairtrade Max Havelaar demonstrates unwavering commitment to ethical trade. With a vast assortment of 1333 Fairtrade products, Coop is a leader in promoting fair trade practices. They’ve pioneered Fairtrade ingredient labeling, enabling producers to sell more harvests under fair conditions. Coop directly sources raw materials from growing countries, focusing on transparency and supporting farmers beyond certification.
Their Living Wage Living Income strategy aligns closely with Fairtrade’s goals, ensuring higher prices for products like coffee and cocoa. They’re actively assessing Fairtrade banana plantations for Living Wage Gaps. Coop’s future plans include more Fairtrade initiatives and promoting sustainability.
Fairtrade Asia & Pacific
Description: This category seeks to recognize businesses that are committed to sourcing from Asia and the Pacific, while actively supporting the Fairtrade agenda.
Judging Criteria: This award emphasizes on Fairtrade commitment and impact in Asi a and Pacific. The criteria assessed amount of premium payments, level of project support, marketing campaign development, producer inclusion in decision-making, support for Fairtrade advocacy, volume sourced from producers, and engagement with producers in long-term partnerships.
Winner
Nature Pearls Private Limited
FLO ID: 43684 & 40145
Country: India
Transforming Communities Through Fairtrade Agriculture
Nature Pearls Private Limited, with two Fairtrade organic certified projects and nearly 980 members, has revolutionized agriculture in India’s Nanpara and Jammu regions. Their commitment to organic farming has empowered small and marginal farmers who were once hesitant to embrace the practice. With democratic farmer clubs and federations, they’ve fostered community-driven decision-making and launched socio-economic projects.
These initiatives have resolved issues like market access, low-quality seeds, and technical know-how. The farmers now enjoy better yields, quality produce, and technical education. Their democratic approach ensures everyone has a voice, and all are certified under organic standards, making their produce more valuable.
Nature Pearls’ future plans include global expansion, prioritizing environmental sustainability, fostering community, and expanding geographically, aiming to make a lasting impact on sustainable farming and community empowerment.
Runner’s Up
Ceylbee International (Pvt) Ltd
FLO ID: 44453
Country: Sri Lanka
Pioneering Fairtrade and Organic Excellence in Sri Lanka
This remarkable organization is a trailblazer in the Sri Lankan market, introducing Fairtrade-certified organic products like coconut products and spices to top-level retailers like Spar, Keells, and Glomark. Their dedication extends to customer awareness, conducting awareness sessions, exhibitions, and trade fairs, making Fairtrade a household name.
Breaking new ground, they are the sole company in Sri Lanka selling Fairtrade-certified Organic Products through online platforms and dynamic social media campaigns. Committed to corporate social responsibility, they collaborate closely with Fairtrade NAPP.
Looking ahead, they’re launching and promoting Fairtrade-certified organic products globally, with plans to expand Fairtrade orders worldwide. Their digital presence, evident on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn, showcases their unwavering commitment to Fairtrade advocacy and impact.
Fairtrade Asia & Pacific
Description: This category seeks to recognize businesses that are committed to sourcing from Latin America and Caribbean, while actively supporting the Fairtrade agenda.
Judging Criteria: This award emphasizes on Fairtrade commitment and impact in Latin America and Caribbean. The criteria assessed amount of premium payments, level of project support, marketing campaign development, producer inclusion in decision-making, support for Fairtrade advocacy, volume sourced from producers, and engagement with producers in long-term partnerships.
Winner
Green and Blacks (Mondelez International)
FLO ID: 28597
Country: United Kingdom
Fairtrade Excellence: Green and Black’s Inspiring Impact
Green and Black’s (G&B’s) is a shining example of an unwavering commitment to Fairtrade principles, making a remarkable impact in the Caribbean and Latin America. For three decades, G&B’s has championed ethical and sustainable practices, becoming a beacon in the UK food industry.
In the last six years alone, G&B’s has contributed £4.21 million in premiums, significantly benefiting Latin American cocoa-producing communities in Peru and the Dominican Republic. This substantial investment has empowered local cooperatives, enabling them to embrace sustainable and organic farming practices.
As part of Mondelez International, G&B’s is at the forefront of cocoa sustainability, pledging over $400 million to Cocoa Life since 2012, with an additional $600 million commitment by 2030. Their focus extends to improving farmers’ livelihoods, child protection, and deforestation prevention.
Looking ahead, G&B’s is set to amplify its Fairtrade efforts, collaborating with leading UK retailers, using QR codes to showcase the impact of Fairtrade premiums, and exploring new initiatives in Latin America. With an impressive 30-year legacy, G&B’s remains a passionate advocate for Fairtrade, leading the charge for a brighter, more sustainable future.
Runner’s Up
Delica AG
FLO ID: Delica AG – 1978
FLO ID: Delica AG – Production Site Birsfelden – 18194
Country: Switzerland
Delica’s Remarkable Impact on Fairtrade in Latin America
Delica, a pioneer in Fairtrade, has transformed coffee sourcing in Latin America and the Caribbean. They’ve expanded the Café Royal brand, making it 100% Fairtrade certified and introduced the innovative home-compostable no-capsule system. Collaborating with Fairtrade cooperatives in Honduras, Peru, and Brazil, Delica
reaches thousands of farmers, creating economic value exceeding 1.5 million USD per coffee harvest alone. Their engagement goes beyond sourcing, including establishing Fairtrade-certified cooperatives, voluntary best practices, and transitioning cooperatives to direct trade. Delica’s dedication is evident through
sustainability investments of over 2 million CHF and carbon footprint reduction initiatives, solidifying their commitment to Fairtrade in the years ahead.
Learn more about Delica’s Fairtrade journey on Café Royal’s website.
Fairtrade Climate Leader Award
Description: Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges for producers today. If your business is committed to innovating and generating impact by tackling the climate crisis, this may be the category for you. This category will explore business actions relating to raising awareness and biodiversity, taking a community-centered approach to environmental management, and/or taking a holistic approach to climate mitigation and adaptation while recognizing the link between incomes and sustainable livelihoods.
Judging Criteria: Evaluation for this included evaluating innovative approaches that businesses used to address climate change and reduce deforestation, advocacy efforts adopted by businesses to raise awareness and support farmers, active support for producer-led climate action initiatives, and the integration of climate action into the company’s overall business strategy.
Winner
Co-op United Kingdom
FLO ID: 18171
Country: United Kingdom
Co-op UK: Pioneering Climate Leadership with Fairtrade Values
Co-op UK, a global consumer co-operative, has consistently championed Fairtrade values and sustainability. As one of the UK’s largest food retailers and wholesalers, Co-op’s commitment to “Fairer for the planet” has driven impactful change.
Since 1994, Co-op has led the UK retail market in Fairtrade, with 100% of core ingredients, including cocoa, tea, coffee, bananas, sugar, and roses, sourced ethically. In 2019, Co-op formally recognized the climate emergency, committing to science-based GHG reduction and taking responsibility for both business operations and product impacts.
The launch of Co-op’s Climate Plan and Climate Justice Campaign in 2021 marked a call to action for businesses and governments, backed by investments in international development projects. Co-op’s partnership with Fairtrade Producer Networks, such as CLAC and FTA, supports climate adaptation and resilience among small-scale banana farmers and producers in tea, coffee, and flower supply chains.
Co-op’s vision for the future includes further strengthening its role as the UK’s biggest Fairtrade supporter, with a three-pillar plan focusing on sourcing, innovation, and advocacy. Co-op’s unwavering commitment to Fairtrade and climate justice underscores its dedication to building resilient producer communities and securing a sustainable future for all.
Runner’s Up
HPW Fresh and Dry Limited
FLO ID: 26757
Country: Ghana
Delica’s Remarkable Impact on Fairtrade in Latin America
HPW Fresh and Dry Limited exemplifies climate leadership with tangible actions and a promising future commitment. Over 4,000 trees have been planted, while innovative approaches harness coconut shells, paper waste, wood waste, and more to generate heat energy, reducing the carbon footprint. Biogas production from waste materials accounts for 15% of the company’s energy needs, and photovoltaic solar panels contribute 35%.
Beyond energy, waste water and effluents are repurposed as organic fertilizer, while composting enriches farms. A robust waste segregation policy ensures eco-friendly practices throughout the organization.
HPW’s sustainable practices extend to community training and collaborations. With a remarkable €17,000,000 turnover in 2022, their 10,160 trees and mixed cropping initiatives have empowered 117 farmers, fostering sustainable agriculture and climate resilience. HPW Fresh and Dry’s unwavering commitment to combating deforestation and advancing the climate agenda sets a remarkable example for the Fairtrade Climate Leader Award.
Fairtrade Innovation Award
Description: This category seeks to recognize businesses that are introducing innovative products, expanding into new markets, or actively promoting accessible fair-trade consumption and trading.
Judging Criteria: This category evaluated evidence of innovative concepts and their impact, scalability across regions, the number of new products and projects, innovative marketing and business methods, advocacy for Fairtrade in new target groups, and investment in in-house Fairtrade innovation.
Winner
Equifruit
FLO ID: 5157
Country:Canada
Equifruit: A Banana Revolution for Fairtrade
Equifruit, Canada’s foremost Fairtrade banana importer, has red efined the Fairtrade andscape through innovation and audacious branding. Their mission of “Global Fairtrade Banana Domination” is backed by a unique marketing approach that targets Millennials and Gen Z consumers.
In 2021, Equifruit launched a bold rebranding campaign that aligned Fairtrade with pop culture. With slogans like “The Only Banana to Binge Watch” and “The Only Banana With a True Crimes Podcast,” they captivated consumer attention and made Fairtrade irresistibly interesting. This strategy caught the eye of retailers, advancing Fairtrade-certified bananas in Canada. Equifruit’s groundbreaking 100% Fairtrade program with Longo’s, including an honest price increase, was met with loyalty and admiration from customers. This courageous act demonstrated that sustainably priced Fairtrade bananas were not only viable but could enhance customer loyalty.
Their efforts didn’t stop there; Equifruit’s advocacy sparked a change across the Canadian grocery market, with retailers including Fairtrade bananas in their offerings. Their innovation has more than doubled Fairtrade social premium generation for farmers, and they’re expanding their impact in the USA. Equifruit’s dedication to Global Fairtrade Banana Domination is an inspiring testament to their commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability.
Runner’s Up
Nestle Nespresso SA
FLO ID: 31044
Country: Switzerland
Nespresso’s Innovations for Coffee Farmers’ Welfare
Nespresso, a pioneer in ethical coffee sourcing, stands out in the Fairtrade Innovation Award category. Through the AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program and partnerships with Fairtrade International, they have driven remarkable innovations aimed at securing coffee farmers’ futures. One standout initiative is the Crop Insurance Scheme. In collaboration with Fairtrade International and Blue Marble Microinsurance, they’ve harnessed satellite technology to offer weather index insurance. This program ensures quick, automated payouts to coffee growers affected by adverse weather conditions, reducing risk and building financial resilience. In addition, Nespresso has introduced a groundbreaking Retirement Savings Program, a first in the coffee industry. Coordinated with Fairtrade International, the Colombian Ministry of Labour, and local cooperatives, it empowers smallholder farmers to plan for retirement. A portion of the Fairtrade Premium, personal contributions, government support, and additional incentives have created a successful pension fund model.
Looking forward, Nespresso plans to expand these initiatives to more countries, with thousands of farmers already benefiting. Their dedication to improving the lives of coffee farmers through innovation exemplifies their commitment to ethical and sustainable coffee production.
Fairtrade Living Income Leader Award
Description: This award is designed to recognize those who have set up, funded, or been involved in living income projects or initiatives. This could include income diversification, paying a Living Income Reference Price, or a holistic package of interventions for farmers.
Judging Criteria: This category evaluated the organization’s commitment to paying living wages, raising awareness about living wage issues, collaborating with supply chain actors, support for worker income diversification, and championing producer-friendly wage data collection processes. The criteria also considered long-term wage structure efforts and the organization’s overall impact in these areas.
Winner
Fairtrade Original
FLO ID:385
Country: The Netherlands and Germany
Fairtrade Original: Pioneering Fair Coffee for 50 Years
Equifruit, Canada’s foremost Fairtrade banana importer, has red efined the Fairtrade andscape through innovation and audacious branding. Their mission of “Global Fairtrade Banana Domination” is backed by a unique marketing approach that targets Millennials and Gen Z consumers.
In 2021, Equifruit launched a bold rebranding campaign that aligned Fairtrade with pop culture. With slogans like “The Only Banana to Binge Watch” and “The Only Banana With a True Crimes Podcast,” they captivated consumer attention and made Fairtrade irresistibly interesting. This strategy caught the eye of retailers, advancing Fairtrade-certified bananas in Canada. Equifruit’s groundbreaking 100% Fairtrade program with Longo’s, including an honest price increase, was met with loyalty and admiration from customers. This courageous act demonstrated that sustainably priced Fairtrade bananas were not only viable but could enhance customer loyalty.
Their efforts didn’t stop there; Equifruit’s advocacy sparked a change across the Canadian grocery market, with retailers including Fairtrade bananas in their offerings. Their innovation has more than doubled Fairtrade social premium generation for farmers, and they’re expanding their impact in the USA. Equifruit’s dedication to Global Fairtrade Banana Domination is an inspiring testament to their commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability.
Runner’s Up
DRWakefield
FLO ID: 1085
Country: United Kingdom
DRWakefield: Nurturing Coffee Communities for Sustainable Incomes
DRWakefield’s commitment to helping coffee producers achieve a living income is integral to their vision. While certification plays a role, their unique approach leverages relationships in coffee communities to generate income and diversify livelihoods. Through long-standing relationships, they’ve initiated income generation projects in coffee-producing regions. The Costa Rica Community Lots range, e stablished in 2011, has raised over $99,000 in premiums, benefitting the Tarrazú community. The Hutan Project in Sumatra funds tree planting in rainforests, while the Abeja Project in Honduras introduces beekeeping, supplementing income by up to $400 per month for producers. In Peru, projects like the El Oso and Puno Conservation Projects enhance coffee quality and conservation.
DRWakefield plans to expand these income-generating initiatives, measuring their impact and fostering more projects to support coffee producers in achieving living incomes.
Fairtrade Living Wage Leader Award
Description: This category seeks to acknowledge businesses driving forward meaningful change in wages and those working towards closing the living wage gap. The category focuses on partners who are building partnerships with farms to support wage structures and may include those paying a wage differential amongst other interventions.
Judging Criteria: This category assessed the organization’s commitment to paying the Living Income Reference Price, raising awareness, collaboration efforts, support for income diversification, evidence of supporting farm yields, and a gender and youth approach. The total score reflected the organization’s contributions to Fairtrade living wages.
Winner
German Retailers Working Group on Living Income and Living Wages
Licensed FLO IDs
• ALDI SÜD Dienstleistungs-GmbH und Co. oHG- FLO-ID25550
• Dm drogerie markt GmbH – FLO-ID33002
• Dm-drogerie markt GmbH + Co. KG- FLO-ID42753
• Kaufland Stiftung & Co. KG- FLOID25488
• REWE Handelsgruppe- FLO-ID3862
Country: Germany
German Retailers Promoting Living Incomes and Wages
Founded in 2020, the Working Group comprises ALDI Nord, ALDI Süd, dm-drogerie markt, Kaufland, and REWE Group, with the aim of advancing living wages and incomes in their supply chain. They initially focused on Ecuador in the banana sector and have expanded their activities to include Colombia and Costa Rica. Their four main objectives encompass responsible procurement practices, worker representation, transparent monitoring, and collaborative agenda setting.
Key initiatives include calculating and contributing to living wage gaps, strengthening unions, partnering with organizations like BananaLink and Fairtrade/CLAC, conducting wage analyses, and seeking alignment with other European initiatives. The group emphasizes the importance of workers negotiating living wages themselves and plans to implement a Living Wage Programme to support participating farms.
Their work has received approval from the German antitrust authority, making it a groundbreaking initiative in Germany. The group’s commitment to promoting living wages and incomes is driving positive change in the banana industry and beyond.
Runner’s Up
Journeys End Brands (Pty) Ltd
FLO ID:
Country: South Africa
Leading the Way: Achieving Fair Living Wages for Farm Workers
In the Fairtrade Living Wages Leader Award category, Journey’s End Brands stands as a beacon of hope for farm workers. They have successfully implemented a wage structure that ensures most of their workers receive a decent living wage, with some enjoying up to 200% above the minimum wage. This progressive approach not only retains their dedicated workforce but also fosters skill development, resulting in a ZERO resignation rate in the last 8 years. Moreover, they’ve initiated a bursary program, empowering worker’s children to pursue higher education. Their commitment extends to yearly wage increases to bridge the living wage gap, as they continue leading the charge for fair and just compensation in the agricultural sector.