News and publications

The availability of sustainable banana, coffee, tea and cocoa products in Belgian supermarkets

February 28th 2013

This study carried out by IPSOS in the name of the Trade for Development Centre (TDC) aims to give an overview of the availability of sustainable banana, cocoa, coffee and tea products in the assortments of major Belgian supermarkets. The 4 product categories (bananas – coffee – tea – cocoa) were chosen as the focus for this research by TDC, because these are tropical commodities produced in the South and because these are core categories for the labels which are internationally recognized as sustainable labels.

Qualitative consumer survey: fashion accessories and home decoration in Tanzania and Kenya

December 17th 2012

There is a lot of potential for high quality and uniquely designed fashion accessories and artifacts in both Kenya and Tanzania. With the rise in demand for these products among the locals due to the growth of the middle class, special emphasis needs to be put to target this group.

Organic spices in Tanzania: ginger, chilli and vanilla

December 16th 2012

This report examines the options that Tanzanian farmers producing certified organic ginger, chilli and vanilla have to sell their products. It maps the Tanzanian organic spices sector, as well as the international organic spices market. It discusses buyer requirements and identifies opportunities for Tanzanian organic farmers on local and international markets. Furthermore it identifies opportunities for value addition.

Organic kidney beans: potential for certified producers in Tanzania

November 15th 2012

Strong growth of European and US organic markets has urged organic cultivation all over the world. Supported by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other development partners, farmers try to improve their incomes by tapping into the opportunities that these expanding organic markets offer. Many farmers in developing countries (DCs) already produce organically by default, making it relatively easy to convert to certified organic agricultural practices.

Fair trade breaking apart?

November 4th 2012

Fair Trade USA recently left Fairtrade International, the world’s leading fair trade federation to launch its own initiative. Small producers in Latin America have created their own certification label in response to the opening of the Fairtrade Max Havelaar label to large plantations. Tensions are increasingly flaring within a movement that has different development visions and approaches to fair trade. Will it fall apart?

Fair trade and the economic crisis

November 4th 2012

After a decade of euphoric growth, the sale of fair trade products in several European countries is an important factor in time. The economic crisis has passed and the different types of players are often forced to adapt and adjust their strategies.

Rio+20 and the green economy: issues and outlook

November 4th 2012

The main themes of the Rio+20 international conference, which was held in the Brazilian economic capital June 20th to 22nd, 2012, are the implementation of the “Green Economy” and the global governance of sustainable development. In a time when the world is experiencing an extremely serious financial crisis, the concept of a green economy combining growth with environmental imperatives is raising many questions.

Cooperatives and fair trade go together well

November 4th 2012

For 2012 the UN focuses on cooperatives “because cooperative enterprises contribute to reducing poverty for many families and communities”.
Members of cooperatives undertake voluntarily to get associated and better pool their individual resources.

Stevia: issues of a plant with a future

November 4th 2012

Since November 2011 stevia may be produced and sold in Europe. Finally… because this natural sweetener, which has been consumed in South America for centuries, has a high nutritional value and is 100% natural and safe. Because of its assets Stevia attracted the attention of multinationals who started investing massively in the crop. Fair trade and organic farming are tools that can help traditional stevia producers to take advantage of the growing demand for stevia.

Israeli-Palestinian initiatives for peace

November 4th 2012

The tensions between Israel and Palestine have recently culminated. Again they were drawn into the logic of war. Yet, in daily life there are Israelis and Palestinians who work together in fair trade projects to achieve closer relations between their communities.

The availability of sustainable banana, coffee, tea and cocoa products in Belgian supermarkets

Qualitative consumer survey: fashion accessories and home decoration in Tanzania and Kenya

Organic spices in Tanzania: ginger, chilli and vanilla