It's Positively "Divine"

Kuapa Kokoo, which means good cocoa growers, started in the early '90s as a farmers' coop that took the brave step to sell products themselves, rather than rely on outside marketers. Those appropriately named chocolate bars called Divine are made by them. They are the only coop among 12 companies that have been able to obtain export licences in Ghana.

As a coop, their focus isn't only on the bottom line. Their goals include improving both the economic and political status of the members, and to try to maintain control over the nearly uncontrollable—world market forces. With the partner, Twin Trading Company, an alternative trade organisation based in the UK, they are reaching their goals.

Their membership numbers are approaching 49,000, and 38% of them are women. Their production is 8% of the total Ghana cocoa crop. A typical farm of 4 acres provides the sole income for a family. Though some farmers produce other crops on their land, the soil is too poor to support them well. With Kuapa Kokoo's coop, these farmers are able to provide for their families and give hope for the future.

Fair Trade or Fairtrade?

One word or two words? What's the difference?

It may sound a tad silly, but there really is a distinction between Fairtrade-One-Word and Fair Trade-Two-Words. One way to look at it is to think of Fairtrade-One-Word as a special case of Fair Trade-Two Words. Click here to learn the distinction.

Fair Trade Organisations

A group of organisations constitutes the world-wide structure of Fair Trade. They consist of:

  • FINE
  • FLO (Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International)
  • IFAT (International Fair Trade Association)
  • NEWS! (Network of European World Shops
  • EFTA (European Fair Trade Association)

FINE

FINE is an informal network of the four major Fair Trade groups. The name is an acronym derived from their names:

FLO  
IFAT 
NEWS!
EFTA 

FINE operates an Advocacy Office in Belgium. It defines their functions as:

  • Monitoring European and International trade and development policies.
  • Ensuring a constant dialogue between the Fair Trade movement and political decision makers.
  • Developing political positions in the areas of Fair Trade and trade justice.
  • Publishing informative material, such as newsletters and brochures.

For further information, go to the FINE website.

Click on an image to learn about each of the member organisations that form FINE: