Fairtrade’s top five stories from 2025
As we approach the end of the year, we’re wrapping up some of the content that you, our readers and supporters, have been most interested in. From new prices for the cocoa industry and long-standing business partnerships to strong continued trust with our supporters and uncertainty around the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), it’s been a busy year in the Fairtrade world.
Here are the top five stories from 2025:
1. Fairtrade announces new Living Income Reference Prices for Cocoa in West Africa.
Rising cocoa prices has been a major global topic. Climbing prices of cocoa for farmers is good news, but it is a complex picture when coupled with increased production costs and in some cases a reduction in cocoa yields.So, in light of this, how have we been supporting farmers? Earlier this year we announced new Living Income Reference Prices for cocoa. These prices are available as a reference for the chocolate industry, and are the minimum price a farmer should be paid to attain a living income. Given the extreme volatility of cocoa prices, it is expected that today’s extreme prices will not hold in the long term. The reference prices will remain an important stabilising factor for farmers when market prices drop, since market uncertainty makes farmers reluctant to invest in their farms to improve productivity.
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2. New Fairtrade Minimum Price for Cocao
In April, we announced a new Fairtrade Minimum Price for cocoa in non-regulated markets, trading at $3,500 per metric tonne from October 2025 onwards. Even in current volatile market, the Fairtrade Minimum Price remains an important safety net for farmers. It provides protection when market prices fall and aims to buffer the effects of price volatility.
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3. 30+ year partnership with Coop UK
We are incredible grateful for all our partners who are committed to supporting producers around the world through Fairtrade. For 30+ years, Co-op UK has been championing farmers, ethical sourcing, and fair prices through a partnership with the Fairtrade Foundation. Today, every own-brand Co-op cocoa, sugar, coffee, tea, bananas, roses, and South African wines are Fairtrade, alongside a growing range of Fairtrade olive oil, tomatoes, cotton, herbs, and spices. Now that’s a commitment worth celebrating!
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4. Fairtrade remains the “go-to” ethical label for shoppers thanks to its clear link to responsibly made products
Earlier this year research findings through GlobeScan confirmed that Fairtrade continues to be the most visible and trusted ethical label for consumers of all ages, especially amongst Millennials, women, and parents. Three out of four shoppers recognise the Fairtrade label - more than other leading labels - and trust in the Fairtrade label also remains high: 83 percent, or about eight in ten shoppers, who recognise the label trust it. The trust in our brand and mission is not something we take for granted. In fact, it motivates us to keep going, and to keep doing better to make trade just and fair.
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5. Fairtrade statement on EUDR delay
Uncertainty is probably the word that comes to mind when you think of the EUDR. Producers face uncertainty about timelines and progress towards readiness with various proposals floated over the past few months. We’ve tried to keep our foot on the pedal in terms of staying of top of these changes and their potential implications, all the while continuing to advocate for producers and small and medium-sized businesses who need clarity, and support.
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