Fairtrade Germany has taken over the licensing of the FAIRTRADE Mark for 23 countries in Central and Eastern Europe as of January 2026.  Until now, Fairtrade International has been responsible for licensing partners in these 23 countries. The aim of the handover to Fairtrade Germany is to tap into the growth potential for Fairtrade in these markets and to create synergies in licensing and partner support.

“The transfer to Fairtrade Germany pools resources. For example, partners selling in multiple Eastern European markets can be efficiently supported by a central licensing team,” explains Benjamin Drösel, Director of Marketing and Sales at Fairtrade Germany. “It allows us to open up new sales markets up for producer organisations and we are tapping into the growth potential for Fairtrade products in previously unserved markets.” 

New markets and customer bases for Fairtrade producer organisations

For producer organisations, the transition means they have more opportunities to sell their products on Fairtrade terms, and improve their income. 

Higher Fairtrade sales also mean more Fairtrade Premium income for producers, meaning they have more financial means to implement projects and invest in their businesses and communities. The Fairtrade Premium is an extra sum of money which producer organisations receive on top of the selling price.

General Assembly approves transition to Fairtrade Germany 

The transfer of responsibility for the 23 countries was approved by Fairtrade International’s annual General Assembly in June 2025. “Supporting the markets is the core task of the national Fairtrade organisations,” said Drösel. “Transferring the responsibility for supporting the 23 markets in Central and Eastern Europe to Fairtrade Germany will free up capacity at Fairtrade International.” 

23 countries in Central and Eastern Europe 

The following countries are being supported by Fairtrade Germany from January 2026 onwards: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kosovo, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine. 

Fairtrade Poland and Fairtrade Czech Republic and Slovakia will continue their work as Fairtrade marketing organisations who are independently responsible for promotional activities, visibility, and campaigns such as Fairtrade Towns, but not for the licensing of products in their territories.