Product Certification
Wine Program
The United States is now largest market for wine in dollar sales. Consumer demand for wine has been growing steadily, with 2009 being the sixteenth consecutive year of charted gains in total wine sales. Although the United States is the fourth largest wine producing nation, imports accounted for 31 percent of total U.S. sales in 2009. The US has become the most attractive target market for international wine producers. The most significant growth in US wine sales has been in varietals of wines from “New World” countries, including Chile, Argentina, and South Africa. In many of these regions, it is difficult to meet the market demand for high quality wine while ensuring that grape growing communities have access to safe and fair working conditions, receive adequate pay and prices for their wine grapes, and guarantee that costs of living are covered. Fair Trade Certified guarantees producers a set minimum price for their grapes, workers a living wage and wine producing communities funding for community development programs.
Featured Producer
Du Toitskloof Cooperative
Du Toitskloof Wines is a prominent South African producer of a wide range of white and red cultivar and blended wines, in addition to noble late harvest and fortified wines. It is located near the town of Rawsonville in the Breede River Valley, at the entrance of the Du Toitskloof Mountain Pass.
How Fair Trade Has Made a Difference
Education In 2008, the largest adult education project was undertaken by the Fairhills Assocaition incorporating nearly 400 students.
importers
How To Import Fair Trade Wine
- Sign TransFair USA's Licensee/Certification agreement to become a licensed importer.
- Purchase wine from licensed Fair Trade wineries, or companies registered as exporters by Fairtrade Labeling Organizations International (FLO).
- Upon purchase from producers, ensure with the winery that grape producers received the Fair Trade minimum price, Fair Trade premiums and organic differentials if applicable. The international standard Fair Trade prices are set by FLO.
- Sell Fair Trade Certified wine direct to market and/or to wine distributors in the US.
- Submit quarterly reports to Fair Trade USA on Fair Trade Certified purchases and sales. Undergo, and comply with, regular desk audits and on-site audits.
- Pay a certification fee to Fair Trade USA of US$0.10/ per 750ML on Fair Trade Certified wine imports.
- On request of the producer organization, make available up to 60% of the value of the contract in pre-financing or other credit facilities.
