Fair Trade Coffee via Equal Exchange Co-op

The Equal Exchange Co-op has been pioneering the concept of fair trade for over 20 years. It started with the simple idea that food should be traded in a way that is honest and fair, and empowers both farmers and consumers. Trade that supports family farms and uses organic methods is better for local communities and the environment then the agribusiness model that relies on harmful chemicals.

Equal Exchange began with Fair Trade coffee from Nicaragua in 1986 and has been growing ever since. Today, they continue to look for new and powerful ways to build a better food system. Their line of products has expanded from organic coffees to tea, chocolate and snacks as well, sourced from farmers around the world including in the US. Equal Exchange is a worker-owned co-op based in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts.

Equal Exchange Profits With Purpose

Equal Exchange employees are also the owners of the co-op, which is based on a democratic one-worker/one-share/one-vote concept. The employees nominate and elect the board, as well as fill two-thirds of the board seats. This helps to safeguard Equal Exchange’s workplace democracy, and ensures that control resides with those who are closest to the mission.

The company’s innovative model has been profitable in 18 out of the last 19 years, and has averaged an an annual 30% growth rate. They currently employ about 100 people in 6 states. The founders of Equal Exchange felt it was important for customers to be knowing and willing participants in their alternative economic model, so they were one of the first companies to begin telling the stores and struggles of their farmer-partners and explaining to consumers how their choices have ripple effects in communities thousands of miles away.

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