We’ve had a reply to our letter to Starbucks, inviting them to adopt our newly minted unfairtrade logo. It says lots of things about how good they are really, and forgets to give us an answer on our logo. We’ll take that as a no then.
Why, incidentally, are we suddenly talking about coffee all the time? We thought we’d investigate the coffee companies a little, that’s why. Fairtrade has been with us for several years now, and as it started with coffee, it is here that the most progress has been made. Fairtrade coffee is so widely available now that there is little excuse for not using it. That’s why those who are still holding out on it need to be provoked a little.
We’re aware that Fairtrade isn’t a silver bullet for fixing the imbalances in world trade, but it’s better than nothing, which is what most companies seem happy to settle for.
The Earthbound Report 
The point they make about the average price they pay for their coffee is interesting, and one that comes up frequently in discussions with supporters of direct trade as opposed to Fair Trade.
How is the Fair Trade price derived? Why is the average price that Starbucks claims to pay so much higher? I assume that much of this is distortion from using averages – but it would be great to have a more informed insight on this.
Yes, it’s interesting isn’t it. Fairtrade is a minimum guaranteed price, so I suppose it’s feasible for the market to overtake it and make it irrelevant. I would like to know how the both sets of prices are arrived at.
I have a friend who is fairtrade certified. I will ask him how it all works.
keep up the good work