Fairtrade works to make global trade fairer by ensuring farmers and workers in developing countries receive better prices, decent working conditions and stronger rights. In the UK, Fairtrade certifies products that meet rigorous social, economic and environmental standards, helping shoppers support ethical supply chains every time they buy. Through partnerships, campaigns and advocacy, Fairtrade empowers producers and promotes sustainability across industries like tea, coffee, cocoa and bananas.

Buying Fairtrade in the UK is simple and impactful. Just look for the FAIRTRADE Mark when you shop—it's your guarantee that the product meets Fairtrade’s ethical standards. You’ll find over 6,000 Fairtrade-certified items in major supermarkets, independent shops, cafés, and online retailers, including everyday essentials like coffee, tea, bananas, chocolate, and even gold.

For businesses or events, the Fairtrade Buying Guide offers a directory to source Fairtrade products for your organisation, office, or venue. Whether you're stocking your pantry or planning a Fairtrade-friendly event, it's never been easier to support fairer trade.

Fairtrade operates in over 70 countries worldwide, partnering with more than 1.9 million farmers and workers across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean. These producers grow and make the goods that carry the FAIRTRADE Mark—like coffee, cocoa, bananas and cotton—under fairer conditions.

In the UK, Fairtrade works with retailers, businesses, schools, and local councils to promote ethical sourcing and increase access to Fairtrade-certified products. From Newcastle to Newquay, thousands of communities support Fairtrade through campaigns, events and local purchasing.

You can explore the global reach of Fairtrade on Fairtrade UK's interactive map, which shows where producers are based and how your choices connect to real people around the world.

Fairtrade began in the UK in 1992, when the Fairtrade Foundation was established by a coalition of charities including Oxfam, CAFOD, and Traidcraft. The first Fairtrade-certified product—Green & Black’s Maya Gold chocolate—hit UK shelves in 1994, followed by Cafédirect coffee and Clipper tea.

Globally, the Fairtrade movement traces its roots back to the post–World War II era, evolving from charitable trading initiatives into a structured system of ethical certification. In 1997, Fairtrade International (formerly FLO) was founded to unify standards and certification across countries.

Today, Fairtrade is a trusted mark across the UK and beyond, with millions of shoppers supporting fairer trade every day.