Where now for fair trade?

Doherty, Bob and Davies, Iain A. and Tranchell, Sophi (2013) Where now for fair trade? Business History, 55 (2). pp. 161-189. ISSN 0007-6791 (https://doi.org/10.1080/00076791.2012.692083)

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Abstract

This paper critically examines the discourse surrounding fair trade mainstreaming, and discusses the potential avenues for the future of the social movement. The authors have a unique insight into the fair trade market having a combined experience of over 30 years in practice and 15 as fair trade scholars. The paper highlights a number of benefits of mainstreaming, not least the continued growth of the global fair trade market (tipped to top $7bn in 2012). However, the paper also highlights the negative consequences of mainstreaming on the long-term viability of fair trade as a credible ethical standard.