RP's first Fair Trade shop opens in Cebu

By Ehda M. Dagooc Updated July 31, 2009 12:00 AM

CEBU, Philippines - The Advocate of Philippine Fair Trade, Inc (APFTI) together with Southern Partners Fair Trade Corporation (SPFTC) announced the opening of the country’s first “The Fair Trade Shop” in Cebu, in its bid to jumpstart in promoting the support of socially and environmental conscious shopping culture in the Philippines.

The Cebu outlet, which will be opened on August 8, 2009, is the first of the seven similar stores that will be established by these organizations in the Philippines, in the next two years.

“This is a historic moment for all supporters of Philippine fair trade and responsible business. I am proud that our culture is being preserved through stylish and high quality products that make a difference to our fellow Filipinos and our environment,” said APFTI executive director Vicente Roaring.

Roaring believes that by opening the Fair Trade Shop, “we can further improve living standards and conditions for farmers, workers and producers, and create a sustainable supply of high quality products for conscious consumers to enjoy.”

Globally, there are more than 4,000 specialized Fair Trade stores or “Worldshops” and more than 100,000 points of sale that distribute Fair Trade products.

These shops are generally found in developed countries in the North. The move to open The Fair Trade Shops in the Philippines allows Filipino consumers to be on equal footing as conscious consumers across the globe, Roaring said.

According to Gabby Lopez, APFTI chairman of the board, by opening The Fair Trade Shop, consumers will be empower, and will realize that they can have a direct and meaningful impact on their fellow countrymen, by simply making conscious, responsible choices about what to buy and how to spend.

“This exciting launch of The Fair Trade Shop brings much needed positive change for producers who need Fair Trade now more than ever. The public has increasingly been telling us they want to lead a sustainable lifestyle and this is a big step along the path towards health and wellness, and eco-living,” said Geraldine Labradores, SPFTC general manager.

The launch of the premier The Fair Trade Shop in Cebu is part of APFTI’s three-year “MaDe for Fair Trade Project” otherwise known as “Domestic Market Development for Fair Trade”, jointly supported by Dutch funders ICCO and Cordaid.

As part of this project, APFTI plans to roll out The Fair Trade Shop to six other strategic locations across the country; and will push for fair trade products to be made available in leading supermarkets.

Later this year a Fair Trade Caravan will begin its journey across the country in a bid to raise awareness about responsible and fair trade consumerism to sophisticated buyers demanding more value for their money.

The Advocate of Philippine Fair Trade, Inc envisions an empowered community of entrepreneurs fighting poverty and contributing to sustainable development through Fair Trade. APFTI provides business and product development services, advocacy and market access assistance to small and medium community enterprises.

The Cebu Fair Trade Shop is located at Jose R. Martinez Bldg. Osmeña Boulevard.

Fair trade is a global movement, with estimated sales of approximately US$5 billion in 2008, average growth of 42 percent in the last two years. It is proactive poverty alleviation through innovative and high quality Philippine food and handicraft products.

It also provides opportunities to disadvantaged Philippine producers, and offers fair and equitable working conditions and helps address climate change, while generating profits.