About Allegro
Media Kit

Fair Trade


1) What is Fair Trade?

The term Fair Trade is used to describe a market-based approach to trade, in which farmers are paid “fairly” for their goods so that they can not only have a living wage, they can develop their communities—socially, economically and environmentally. Fair Trade also seeks to cut out layers between producers and buyers to foster long-term relationships between workers and those who buy their goods.

Coffee is perhaps the most notable Fair Trade commodity.  The first Fair Trade coffee was offered in the late 1980’s as a response to a historical drop in coffee prices.  Since then, Fair Trade coffee has become a staple offering in both coffee bars and supermarkets—impacting the lives of more than five million coffee growers and their communities.

 2) What Makes a Product Fair Trade?

 In order to be identified as Fair Trade, a product must meet established criteria that have been established by FLO (Fair Trade Labeling Organization) and then be certified by an approved agency. 

Standards for Fair Trade coffee certification include:

  • Fair labor conditions
  • Environmentally sustainable growing practices 
  • Democratic and transparent organizations
  • Community development

 3) Allegro’s Approach to Fair Trade:

Allegro offers Fair Trade certified coffee as well as Rainforest Alliance, Organic, and Whole Trade certified coffee. We also offer coffee that is not Fair Trade certified. Currently, only cooperatives are eligible to be Fair Trade certified.  We purchase some of our coffee from single-family farms that are not part of a cooperative. We have forged long-term relationships with these farms and can attest to worker and community development that is often found in Fair Trade communities.

4) Why is some Fair Trade coffee more than others?

Not all Fair Trade coffee is created equal.  Although Fair Trade is greatly influential on the lives of growers, it does not necessarily represent a coffee’s “quality” in your cup. Many factors go into determining the quality of the coffee (and thus, the price) that have nothing to do with Fair Trade—region grown, grade of coffee, growing requirements, roasting, and other certifications. Our Fair Trade coffee is typically also certified Organic.  Organic coffee is more expensive due to the stringent growing and handling conditions and the availability of organic coffee. 

5) Resources