Fair Trade USA Launches Record Number Of Private Label Products

Fair Trade USA, the leading third-party certifier of Fair Trade products in North America, has collaborated with dozens of retailers across the industry (e-commerce, brick and mortar, and foodservice) to launch 176 Fair Trade Certified™ private label items to date in 2018. A selection of these products will be on display at Fair Trade USA’s booth (7801) at the Private Label Manufacturers Association’s 2018 Trade Show at the Rosemont Convention Center on Nov. 11-13.

These newly-launched items, which span all of the Fair Trade commodities from coffee, cocoa, tea, and sugar to coconut, quinoa, herbs and spices, produce, floral and seafood, are helping retail partners differentiate and compete with branded products. The 2018 Fair Trade Certified private label launches represent an impressive 45% year-over-year increase over 2017 launches -- growth that corresponds with the momentum that the retail sector is seeing as private brands become an important element for retailer diversification. Based on the latest IRI research, for the second consecutive year, private brands are leading multi-outlet growth at a rate of 4 to 1.

“We are excited about the 14.9% value share growth of private brands in the United States and the opportunity this offers Fair Trade to support national retailers’ desire to be more sustainable, improve supply chains and put people and the planet first,” says Abby Ayers, Senior Manager of Retail Partnerships at Fair Trade USA. “No matter the retail aisle, Fair Trade fits in and offers a way to appeal to the customer of tomorrow.”

This year, The Kroger Co. increased its Fair Trade Certified private label offerings by 10 products and made a public commitment to certify all eligible Simple Truth® products or ingredients.

German-owned retailer, ALDI, is also making it easier for consumers to shop their values with Fair Trade Certified™ products. Last year, 25% of coffee sold by ALDI was Fair Trade Certified™ and the company is working to expand the number of Fair Trade Barrisimo, SimplyNature, and Specially Selected coffee products. Increased in-store signage and social media campaigns have also helped to educate consumers about ALDI’s sustainability commitments.

Fair Trade USA is proud to serve as a thought partner for other retailers as they explore new sustainability commitments and reach new consumer segments. The non-profit aims to further help private brands develop their portfolios of innovative Fair Trade Certified products in 2019.

About Fair Trade USA

Fair Trade USA is a nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable livelihoods for farmers and workers; protects fragile ecosystems; and builds strong, transparent supply chains through independent, third-party certification. Its trusted Fair Trade Certified™ label signifies that rigorous standards have been met in the production, trade and promotion of Fair Trade products from over 80 countries across the globe. Recognized as a leading social venture by the Clinton Global Initiative, the Skoll Foundation and Ashoka, Fair Trade USA also provides critical capacity-building programs at origin, and educates consumers about the power of their purchase. Visit www.FairTradeCertified.org for more information.