Fair and Ethical Trading

Fair and ethical trading is not an issue that is going to simply go away, nor is it just a fad – a fleeting consumer obsession. It has already had a profound effect on industries such as coffee, chocolate and fruit, and it is becoming increasingly important for wine.

At Bibendum, we take these issues very seriously and play a leading role on the UK Fairtrade Wine Committee, which addresses the issues surrounding the sale and promotion of Fairtrade wines in this country.

As well as importing certified Fairtrade wines from South Africa and Argentina, we also work with wineries that run their own very impressive projects aimed at improving the lives and prospects of the people who work in the vineyards and cellars.

What is the difference between ethical trading and Fairtrade?

Ethical trade is about achieving a basic minimum standard of ethical behaviour in trading relationships. Fair trade organisations, whilst supporting many of the principles behind ethical trade, go beyond this and aim to encourage the development of disadvantaged people in the poorer parts of the world.

Ethical trade aims to ensure that internationally-recognised labour standards, such as fundamental human rights, are observed at all stages in the production of goods for the UK high street.

Where ethical trade tends to focus on minimising the harm caused by trade, Fairtrade seeks to make a positive contribution to the development of poor communities.

What does this mean for wine production?

The majority of wine-producing countries are in Europe or the developed western world, where labour laws and the minimum wage are in place to afford some protection for the work force. Fairtrade however, whilst supporting ethical initiatives around the world, only operates in the developing world. Therefore, there are only a few wine-producing countries that can take part in the initiatve. These include South Africa, Chile and Argentina.

A number of our producers are either Fairtrade certified or ethical, including SAAM Mountain Vineyards, Stellenrust, Vinedos de la Posada and Graham Beck  - read their stories.