Podcasts

How Fair Trade USA Connects Consumers and Producers

Most consumers have seen the Fair Trade Certified™ seal on a variety of products, but what exactly does it mean? Lauren Tolbert, Partnership Development Manager with Fair Trade USA, joins The Food Institute Podcast to share her experience with the organization and its mission. Tolbert discusses Fair Trade’s programs and policies governing seafood, agriculture, food products, and beverages, and provides best practices for retail partners looking to leverage the Fair Trade brand.

This Episode of the Food Institute Podcast is Sponsored by: Mazars

Hosted By: Chris Campbell

 

More About Laurent Tolbert:
Lauren joined Fair Trade USA in the fall of 2019 with a mission to empower retailers to incorporate sustainability goals into their go forward strategies, while also awakening consumers to their purchasing power. As Partnership Development Manager, Lauren supports retailers and foodservice partners with developing and sourcing private brand programs, incorporating certified national brands into their assortments, creating sustainability goals/commitments, and promoting these items to drive positive business results.  Lauren brings 13+ years of retail merchandising, planning and brand development experience. Before joining Fair Trade USA, Lauren held various buying/category management roles at retailers such as Family Dollar and Belk. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

More About Fair Trade USA:
Fair Trade USA is a nonprofit organization and the leading certifier of fair trade products in North America. Its trusted Fair Trade Certified™ seal on a product signifies that it was made according to rigorous fair trade standards that promote sustainable livelihoods and safe working conditions, protection of the environment, and strong, transparent supply chains. Rather than creating dependency on aid, Fair Trade USA’s model empowers farmers, workers, and fishers to fight poverty and earn additional money to improve their communities. Winner of Fast Company’s Social Capitalist of the Year Award and recognized as a leading social venture by the World Economic Forum, Clinton Global Initiative, Skoll Foundation, and Ashoka, Fair Trade USA also helps brands and retailers tell their stories of impact and educates consumers about the power of their purchase.

To learn more about Fair Trade USA, please visit:
Homepage: https://www.fairtradecertified.org/
Retail/Brand Portal: https://www.fairtradecertified.org/business
COVID-19 Resources: https://www.fairtradecertified.org/news/emergency-funds-for-covid-relief
Seafood:https://www.fairtradecertified.org/business/standards/documents/capture-fisheries-standard-overview
Upcoming Events: https://www.fairtradecertified.org/news

 

Thanks to Our Sponsor: Mazars
Mazars in the US provides food and beverage companies with the specialized expertise required to venture further in this dynamic industry environment. The more than 200 leading food and beverage manufacturers, distributors, restaurants, and importers who call us their trusted advisors are a testament to our deep market knowledge and global capabilities. In recent years, sustainability has evolved substantially in the food and beverage marketplace. Good corporate governance and social responsibility are not simply rooted in doing the right thing, they also bring with them performance benefits. We help companies address their sustainability strategies from design and embedding to reporting and assurance. We give you a competitive edge to maximize results. For more information, please visit https://www.mazars.us/Home/Services/Sustainability.

 

For more on ESG practices, Members can see our recent webinar on the topic: ESG Best Practices for the Food Industry