Our fair trade sugar chain

2236770-sucre_glace_600g_biocoop-100x230-2022-BD

« Because being certified organic is good but being certified organic & fair trade is even better, we explain everything about fair trade and our certification process. Fair trade proposes to reduce the social and environmental inequalities generated by conventional trade. It guarantees producers stable and remunerative prices so that they can make a dignified living from their work and adopt production methods that respect their environment.

Since June 2018, our organic icing sugar has carried the Fair For Life fair trade label. This means, in particular, that at least 80% of the ingredients of agricultural origin are certified as fair trade.

This independent label, supported by the ECOCERT Group, is based on 3 fundamental pillars:

  • A business relationship that is focussed on the long term (minimum contract of 3 years) and based on dialogue and respect.
  • Increased autonomy: this quality label leads producers to consolidate their assets, strengthen their collective organisation, take control of their production and rebalance their relations with the downstream sectors.
  • Transparency: this quality label guarantees the physical traceability of products, and the transparency and sincerity of the information communicated from producers to consumers.

Fairness has no borders, so all the players in the sector, from the producer to the brand, commit themselves to benefiting from the quality label. Fair for Life stands for in particular respect for human rights, safe and decent working conditions, respect for ecosystems, empowerment of producers and the pursuit of a positive local impact.

Our organic and fair trade icing sugar is made by the French company SUCRE AQUITAINE based in Cestas. It is obtained by grinding unrefined cane sugar to which potato starch is added to prevent it from solidifying. The cane sugar used for manufacturing is imported from Brazil. It is manufactured by the NATIVE SAN FRANSCICO plant located in Sertãozinho, in São Paulo State. The plant produces approximately 60,000 tonnes of organic sugar annually.

It sets up social programmes for all the employees working in the sugar factory and their families (football team, musical groups, housing, etc.). Part of the purchase price is also paid back to the growers through their cooperative.

Here is an overview of the projects they have been able to implement in 2018 thanks to development funds linked to the fair trade movement

(Fair for Life, Fair Trade USA and Naturland funds)

The charity “Our House”, based in Sertãozinho, offers children and teenagers in need basic support such as a place to stay and education, health and food aid. Thanks to the funding, a new room in the house could be built this year. It will be dedicated to future parents and children who are in the process of being adopted to spend time together and get to know each other in a warm environment.

Located in the municipality of Barrinha, 23 km from Sertãozinho. This project funds a community helping to rehabilitate young adults in need by teaching them sawing and carpentry skills.The aim is to eventually help people find a job and help them integrate into society. This year, the funds were spent on the construction of a workshop and the purchase of equipment and machinery to provide training for 60 inhabitants of the rehabilitation centre.

The “Princess of Mogi” retirement centre located in Mogi das Cruzes, on the outskirts of the city of Sao Paulo. This project helps to coordinate social and physical activities in a retirement centre for families in need and specifically for those who do not benefit from health insurance or social security. The activities aim to bring the younger generations to the centre, for example young musicians, to play and interact with the residents. This year’s funding allowed for the renovation of part of the centre.

Located in the municipality of Sertãozinho, the LAR school is a school and day-care centre that welcomes 120 children per day. LAR is a different school, using a child-centred educational approach that, based on their individual characteristics, talents, abilities and innate skills, prepares them for a successful adult life. This year, fair trade funds were used to renovate the school’s library and cinema room and to purchase new tables, chairs and desks.

Renovation of the GRAAUS rehabilitation centre for alcohol and drug addicts : lthe centre is located in the municipality of Sertãozinho. It houses 40 people and this year’s funding helped renovate a meeting room, workshop and craft room.

The Banda Marcial-TIGRES brass band allows children to learn to play a musical instrument and develop musical and social skills. This year’s funding enabled the purchase of uniforms and musical instruments for 150 children and adolescents.

The Friends of Bairro Alvorada (ABA) association supports a school for homeless children. This year, the fund was used to purchase sportswear, musical instruments and supplies to promote sports and recreational activities within the school community.