Fairtrade
You can be assured that all Qi Teas are certified Fairtrade by the international Fairtrade Labelling Association.
Fairtrade strives to guarantee a better deal for third world producers, ensuring not only fair prices paid for the product, but fair wages and conditions for all those involved in the harvesting and production process.
In addition, each year the fair-trade premium goes directly to the farming co-op in Xitou, to use for health, education and general social and economic development within this remote mountain village.
Fairtrade Standards
Fairtrade standards encompass a wide range of criteria but the key points are;
- A fair minimum price per kg of product sold.
- An additional Fairtrade Premium payment that goes to the farmer’s co-operative to be spent on development.
- Longer term trading relationships and advance payment.
- Specific International Labour Organisation standards (such as the use of child labour).
Ethical trade?
Some tea companies claim that their tea is ‘ethical’ – without being endorsed by a third party. If you are concerned about these kinds of claims (that are not substantiated by a third party), you could write to the company and ask them to define ethical and ask them for details of how they fulfill their promise.
