Ben & Jerry's enlarges Fair Trade initiative
February 20, 2010
Ben & Jerry’s, South Burlington, Vt., will incorporate only Fair Trade ingredients in its entire product line by the end of 2013, the company announced.
Ben & Jerry’s took a leadership position on the issue when it became the first ice cream company in the world to use Fair Trade Certified ingredients in 2005, the company stated, adding that it intends to remain on the forefront of the issue as the first ice cream company to make such a significant commitment to Fair Trade across its global portfolio.
Although Fair Trade has not emerged as a major social issue for retailers in the United States, it is important in Europe particularly. In the U.S., Walmart has launched a Fair Trade initiative, with much of its activity currently focused on Sam’s Clubs, which offers Fair Trade coffee, wine and roses.
Developed to help farmers improve their incomes, Fair Trade distribution systems also ensure that certified farmers are using environmentally sound and sustainable practices to grow and harvest their crops.
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