- Categories:
- Cause
- Tags:
- Appreciation
- Where:
- United Kingdom
- Date change rule:
- Week starting with the 3rd Monday of September
- Holiday emoji:
- 🤝
Fairtrade Fortnight unites consumers and brands every third Monday of September through the following Sunday, for two weeks of advocacy. This special festival recognizes and celebrates farmers and workers in developing countries, highlighting issues of underpayment and exploitation. Join the global movement by choosing Fairtrade-certified products, supporting ethical brands, and spreading awareness.
Want to sponsor Fairtrade Fortnight? Learn how
Expected Fairtrade Fortnight Deals
As a cause-driven observance, Fairtrade Fortnight focuses on ethical purchasing and advocacy rather than traditional retail deals. Consumers are encouraged to seek out and purchase products bearing the Fairtrade Mark, directly supporting fair wages and sustainable practices for farmers and workers in developing countries. Many brands, like Ben & Jerry’s, Tony’s Chocolonely, and Divine Chocolate, consistently use Fairtrade ingredients and often highlight their commitments during this period. Look for special campaigns from retailers like Whole Foods Market or Trader Joe’s that promote Fairtrade items. Non-profit organizations such as the Fairtrade Foundation also run donation-matching programs and awareness campaigns. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as September 2027 approaches.
Platform Guide for Fairtrade Fortnight
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and share stories of Fairtrade’s impact on communities and businesses. Highlight ethical sourcing.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #FairtradeFortnight. Showcase your favorite Fairtrade products and the stories behind them through engaging visuals.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #FairtradeFortnight. Join conversations about fair wages, sustainable farming, and global equity, sharing news and calls to action.
Fairtrade Fortnight Hero
Max Havelaar
History of Fairtrade Fortnight
Fairtrade Fortnight is an annual promotional campaign that is organized by the Fairtrade Association where businesses, schools, colleges, supporters, and organizations come together to increase awareness of Fairtrade products. The Fairtrade Association is an independent, non-profit organization that licenses the use of the Fairtrade mark on products in the U.K. It is all about social, economic, and environmental justice.
Each year the campaign will highlight the growing challenges that impact the farmers and workers worldwide, especially the farmers who work in unfair conditions in under-developed countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Honduras.
The Fairtrade Foundation was founded back in 1992 by CAFOD, Christian Aid, New Consumer, Oxfam, Traidcraft, and the World Development Movement. In 1997, Lady Marion Fraser, the Chairman of the charity Christian Aid, launched the first Fairtrade Fortnight in the U.K. The campaign turned out to be an instant success and it has grown bigger every year.
There is a theme for the campaign each year. In 2021, it was the growing challenges that climate change brings to farmers and workers in the communities Fairtrade works with. On account of the pandemic, the Fairtrade Foundation hosted a virtual online festival where businesses, schools, supporters, and farmers across the world come together to choose the world they want.
Now, with the COVID-19 pandemic having impacted the world economy as a whole, the challenges that farmers face are bigger than ever before. So, we must support Fairtrade and celebrate the farmers.
Fairtrade Fortnight timeline
CAFOD, Christian Aid, New Consumer, Oxfam, and others establish the Fairtrade Association.
The concept is pioneered by the Fairtrade Foundation in the U.K.
Fairtrade products generate over 1.7 billion pounds in the U.K.
The Fairtrade Fortnight hosts an online festival in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight
Local businesses can demonstrate their commitment to ethical sourcing during Fairtrade Fortnight by stocking and promoting Fairtrade-certified products. Restaurants can highlight menu items made with Fairtrade ingredients, while cafes can offer special deals on Fairtrade coffee. Retailers can create dedicated displays, educate customers on the benefits of Fairtrade, and even host tasting events. Partnering with local Fairtrade organizations for awareness campaigns can also amplify their impact and attract conscious consumers.
Fairtrade Fortnight FAQs
When is Fairtrade Fortnight?
Fairtrade Fortnight 2026 runs from Monday, September 21, through Sunday, October 4. This two-week observance highlights the importance of fair wages and ethical practices for global producers.
What is the goal of Fairtrade Fortnight?
The primary goal of Fairtrade Fortnight is to raise awareness about the injustices in global trade and to advocate for fair prices and better working conditions for farmers and workers in developing countries. It encourages consumers to choose Fairtrade products.
How many products are Fairtrade certified?
Globally, there are over 30,000 Fairtrade-certified products available, ranging from coffee and chocolate to bananas, cotton, and gold. This vast selection allows consumers to make ethical choices across many categories.
What is the difference between Fairtrade and ethical sourcing?
Fairtrade is a specific certification system with a defined set of standards, including minimum prices, social premiums, and environmental criteria, verified by an independent third party. Ethical sourcing is a broader term for a company’s commitment to responsible practices throughout its supply chain.
How to Observe Fairtrade Fortnight
Join the online festival
The best way to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight is by taking part in their virtual online festival, ‘Choose the world you want.’ Go ahead, join today!
Teach someone about Fairtrade
Teach your friends, family, or your community about Fairtrade and how these farmers across the world are impacted by the issues surrounding them. It’ll surely be enlightening.
Spread the word online
Use your social media to raise awareness about the lives of these hard-working people and add more voices. Start an online conversation.
5 Cool Facts About Farmers And Fairtrade Fortnight You Need To Know
Farmers need to pump up production
At this rate of consumption, farmers need to produce 70% more food than today to feed the world population by 2050.
Family farms might decline
Approximately 60% of the farmers in the U.S. are 55 years older, and so, there is a growing concern about the long-term health of family farms.
Each farmer feeds 165 people
Each farmer in the U.S.A. produces food and fiber to feed 165 people annually both in the U.S and abroad.
Divine Chocolates
There is a chocolate company called Divine Chocolate, that is fully owned by farmers.
50% of Fairtrade is owned by farmers
The Fairtrade organization is 50% owned by farmers who decide on issues, approve annual accounts, and other major roles.
Why Fairtrade Fortnight is Important
Fairtrade Fortnight is a great campaign
In an age where there are still workers who fall victim to the unethical and unjust practices of many, this celebration raises awareness about ethical trading. We love this!
It brings people together
During Fairtrade Fortnight, young people between the ages of five and 25 are invited to share their vision of the world they envision for farmers. This inspires them and molds them for a much better world.
It makes the world better
This campaign raises the voice of farmers and workers across the world and brings potential solutions to their issues with the collective power of global supporters. See what you can do to support!
Fairtrade Fortnight dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 22–October 5 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2026 | September 21–October 4 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2027 | September 20–October 3 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2028 | September 18–October 1 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2029 | September 17–30 | Monday–Sunday |
Social Media Tips for Fairtrade Fortnight
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