Fair trade means providing a living wage to artisans and producers in developing countries for their work and/or their products. Although fair trade criteria varies by organization, Bel Esprit embraces the following:

The increased globalization of trade has made fair trade increasingly important. It is essential that developing nations have the opportunity to compete in world markets and enjoy economic growth through their native industries.

Fair trade is not difficult to support! Buying fair trade finished products or products made from fair trade raw materials does not necessarily cost the consumer more. As middle level distribution is eliminated by buying from organizations working with local workers and producers, prices of goods are often the same, if not lower, and at the same time, allow a greater return of the selling price of goods to the workers and producers.

The growth of fair trade can have an impact on the global market. The greater the demand for products and services that adhere to the principles of fair trade, the greater the pressure to apply these principles to all trade.

Bel Esprit is committed to foster fair trade in fashion, and to work to make these ideas and principles the standard for the industry.