The Europe-Korea Foundation held its annual World Fairtrade Day to enhance the commercial impact of Fairtrade in Korea by raising awareness among the public while giving back to the community.

The “Big Fairtrade Breakfast” took place on May 14 in Cheonggye Square in Gwanghwamun. It is the biggest international Fairtrade event, held in 63 cities in 15 countries on the second Saturday of May.

This year is the second year that the “Big Fairtrade Breakfast” has been held in Korea since the EKF became a Fairtrade Marketing Organization member in Korea.

Fairtrade is an alternative trade scheme that seeks greater equity in international trade.

It aims to contribute to supporting micro and small scale producers in developing countries in Asia, Africa, and South America by offering better trade conditions to combat poverty and strengthen their economic sustainability.

The principles of Fairtrade include ensuring the payment of a fair price as well as to respect social, labor and environmental standards.

Booths were set up to provide Fairtrade coffee from Starbucks Korea and Fairtrade body cleanser from The Body Shop for visitors.

Multicultural communities and companies sold Fairtrade products and distributed promotional materials to the public.

Profit from the event will be used to link the Fairtrade producers in Southeast Asia with Korean importers to bring more Fairtrade products to Korea.

By Yoav Cerralbo (yoav@heraldcorp.com)