Notes:

We’ll continue our look at the history of fair trade labels today.  Last time we saw the formation of the Max Havelaar label.  Today we’ll see similar influences in play that led to a global extension of what the Max Havelaar label started.  There’s a lot of overlap between the different labels, so today’s lesson will be on the shorter side.  Consider it a gift for the weekend.

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The Rise of Other Fair Trade Labels:

After the formation and success of the Max Havelaar label, several other Fair Trade labels sprang up around the globe.  The Transfair label was formed in Austria, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg and the United States.  The Fairtrade mark was used in Ireland and the UK (You won’t be tested on this, but it’s important to note that there were different Fair Trade groups based on geographic region).

The formation of the Fairtrade mark and Transfair signaled a period of international growth for Fair Trade products.  Initially each group was autonomous and arrived at labeling decisions with each other on a product by product basis.  There weren’t any contractual agreements between the groups to define exactly what Fair Trade was.

Takeaway:

The success of the Max Havelaar label, as well as the desire to sell Fair Trade products on supermarket stores across the world led to the rise of other Fair Trade labeling programs.  These groups worked together on a product by product basis to determine what products were fair trade.

Discussion Question:

Why do you think alternative Fair Trade programs were established, rather than simply expanding the Max Havelaar label?

Additional Reading:

http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/what_is_fairtrade/history.aspx