Issues

Fairtrade Coffee

Coffee is the most traded commodity in the world after oil and illegal drugs. However during the past decade, prices paid to coffee farmers fell to a 30-year low with as little as 3 cents from a $3 cup of coffee reaching the farmers who grew the beans. Worldwide, 25 million small-scale farmers and their families have been affected.

This is to be contrasted with continuing profits in the billions, for companies such as Nestle, Altria (Kraft), & Sara Lee. In 2006 Nestle recorded an annual profit increase of 14% to 9.2 billion swiss francs (US$7.4 billion).

• Look for products with the certified Fairtrade symbol. Buying Fairtrade coffee ensures farmers get a fair deal – a minimum price of AUD $3.80 per kilo compared to the local price of about AUD 65 cents.
• Find local suppliers and cafes stocking fairtrade at www.oxfam.org.au/coffee
• Some Coles and Woolworths/ Safeway supermarkets stock Scarborough Fair, Global Café Direct; & Republica fairtrade brands.