India emerging a major source and market for Fairtrade products
(L-R) Abhishek Jani, CEO; Bindu S, CEO, Fairtrade NAPP Fairtrade India Project; Blaise Desbordes, CEO, Max Havelaar France; Claudia Brueck, MD Communication & Politics at Fairtrade Germany; Franck VIAULT, Minister Counsellor – Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to India and Bhutan; Lisa Prassack, CEO, Fairtrade International
Fairtrade International, the non-profit, multi-stakeholder body, sees India playing a major role as a consumer and supplier of sustainably sourced products in the coming years.
“India is fairly new market and so a new opportunity for us to grow representing local production in the local market. So that is a very exciting opportunity,” said Lisa Pesak, Global CEO, Fairtrade International told businessline.
Pesak was in Bengaluru to attend the two-day event on “Fairtrade in India – Sustainability, Markets & Impact” that brings together global and Indian producers, businesses, policymakers, and sustainability leaders deliberating on the urgent need for climate action, responsible sourcing, and producer empowerment.
Priority products
“At Fairtrade, our mission is to build climate-resilient future by leveraging data, innovation, and strong market partnerships, transforming global supply chains into catalysts of equity, sustainability, and shared prosperity—where farmers are not only providers of food and fibre but leaders in shaping a fairer world,” Pesak said.
Historically for Fairtrade, the priority products have been banana, coffee, and cocoa, followed by flowers, tea, and sugar among others, Pesak said. The portfolio of products being sourced from India is being expanded with inclusions of herbs and spices, coconut, mango and grapes, she added.
Fairtrade, which works with over 1.9 million farmers globally, has connects with over 100,000 farmers and workers whose resilience and leadership are redefining sustainable trade.
“Fairtrade in India is witnessing remarkable growth—with sales of Fairtrade fashion more than doubling and one garment sold every minute. Our producer base is expanding, youth engagement is rising, and the gross merchandise value of Fairtrade products has tripled in just two years. This momentum proves that Indian consumers and businesses are embracing fairness and sustainability, and with global partnerships, we can scale this into a powerful force for climate action, equity, and resilient supply chains,” said Abhishek Jani, CEO, Fairtrade India.
Rise in certified products trade
Sales of Fairtrade certified products in the Indian market have risen to over Rs 77 crore last year compared to Rs 24 crore two years ago. Exports of sustainably sourced products including textiles, commodities such as coffee and tea have risen to over Rs 350 crore, Jani said.
Franck Viault, Minister Counsellor – EU Delegation to India and Bhutan, said: “The future of trade must be sustainable, inclusive, and fair—and the European Union is proud to partner with India and Fairtrade to make this vision a reality. Together, we can transform global supply chains into engines of climate resilience, equity, and prosperity, ensuring producers are not just participants but leaders in shaping sustainable growth.”
Claudia Brück, Managing Director, Fairtrade Germany, said, “Fairtrade is more than a label—it is a global movement turning fairness, transparency, and responsibility into everyday reality for millions of farmers and workers. By building traceable supply chains, fostering climate resilience, and empowering communities, we are proving that economic success and social responsibility can reinforce one another. Together with partners in India and worldwide, our mission is clear: to make Fairtrade the norm, not the exception, in a more just and sustainable global economy.”
Published on September 9, 2025
