Quanzhou Jinke Garments Co.,LTD is a prominent company based in China specializing in the garment industry. With a strong focus on quality and innovation, they are known for providing a wide range of clothing products to their diverse clientele. Their offerings include but are not limited to casual wear, sportswear, and formal attire, catering to individuals of all ages and preferences.

The company's mission is to deliver stylish and comfortable clothing options that meet the ever-changing demands of the fashion market. Their strength lies in their ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design techniques, resulting in unique and trendy apparel that resonates with their customers. Quanzhou Jinke Garments Co.,LTD envisions becoming a global leader in the garment industry by consistently exceeding customer expectations and setting new trends in the fashion world.

Their products not only serve as a fashion statement but also solve the problem of finding high-quality and affordable clothing options in the market. By offering a diverse range of garments that cater to different styles and occasions, Quanzhou Jinke Garments Co.,LTD empowers individuals to express themselves through their clothing choices. Whether it's a casual day out or a formal event, their clothing solutions aim to enhance the confidence and comfort of their customers, making them stand out in any setting.

Lara Knit Wear is a prominent company based in India, specializing in manufacturing a wide range of clothing items including Babywear, Ladieswear, Children's wear, and Men's wear. With a focus on quality and innovation, Lara Knit Wear caters to a diverse audience seeking comfortable and stylish clothing options. The company's commitment to excellence is evident through their GOTS certification, ensuring that their products meet stringent organic standards.

Known for their attention to detail and commitment to sustainability, Lara Knit Wear stands out in the textile industry for their eco-friendly practices and dedication to producing high-quality garments. Their mission revolves around providing customers with ethically made clothing that not only looks good but also feels good to wear. By offering a variety of clothing options for different demographics, Lara Knit Wear aims to meet the diverse needs of their clientele.

Lara Knit Wear's range of products, from babywear to men's wear, showcases their versatility and expertise in the fashion industry. Their dedication to using organic materials and sustainable manufacturing processes sets them apart as a company that values both quality and environmental responsibility. Customers can trust in Lara Knit Wear's products to not only meet their fashion needs but also align with their values of supporting ethical and eco-conscious brands.

Through their commitment to producing GOTS certified clothing, Lara Knit Wear demonstrates a clear vision for the future of fashion - one that prioritizes sustainability and ethical practices. Their products not only offer style and comfort but also contribute to a more environmentally friendly industry. By choosing Lara Knit Wear, customers can feel confident in their clothing choices, knowing that they are supporting a company that values both quality craftsmanship and sustainable business practices.

CRYSTAL SL GLOBAL PTE. LTD. is a reputable company based in Singapore specializing in trading various clothing categories such as babywear, ladieswear, and men's wear. With a certification from IDFL and a GOTS Scope Certificate, the company ensures high-quality and sustainable products for its customers. Their mission is to provide fashionable and eco-friendly clothing options to a diverse range of consumers.

Known for their commitment to quality and sustainability, CRYSTAL SL GLOBAL PTE. LTD. offers a wide range of clothing options that cater to different preferences and styles. Their products are designed to meet the needs of individuals looking for stylish and environmentally conscious clothing choices. The company's dedication to using certified materials and ethical practices sets them apart in the industry.

CRYSTAL SL GLOBAL PTE. LTD. aims to provide customers with trendy and sustainable clothing options that not only look good but also contribute to a greener environment. Their products are designed to appeal to fashion-forward individuals who value both style and sustainability. By offering GOTS certified products, the company ensures that customers can make informed choices about the clothing they purchase.

The company's offerings are tailored to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly and stylish clothing options in the market. CRYSTAL SL GLOBAL PTE. LTD. strives to make a positive impact by providing customers with high-quality, sustainable clothing that aligns with their values. Their dedication to quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction positions them as a trusted provider in the clothing industry.

ORIMPEX BV is a reputable company based in the Netherlands, specializing in trading various products such as accessories, babywear, ladieswear, children's wear, fabrics, and men's wear. With a focus on quality and sustainability, ORIMPEX BV is known for its commitment to providing GOTS certified products to its customers. The company's mission revolves around offering ethically sourced and environmentally friendly goods to consumers in the textile industry.

ORIMPEX BV's key strength lies in its dedication to ensuring that all products meet the necessary certification standards, guaranteeing customers that they are purchasing responsibly made items. The company's vision is to continue expanding its range of offerings while maintaining a high level of integrity and transparency in its operations. ORIMPEX BV's products, including garments and accessories, cater to a wide audience looking for sustainable and safe textile options.

By offering GOTS certified products, ORIMPEX BV addresses the growing demand for eco-conscious and socially responsible goods in the market. Their services benefit both consumers and the environment by promoting ethical practices and reducing the carbon footprint associated with textile production. Overall, ORIMPEX BV's commitment to sustainability and quality sets them apart in the industry, making them a trusted choice for those seeking environmentally friendly textile products.

Littleleaf Organics Limited is a reputable company based in the United Kingdom, specializing in trading, retailing, and mail order selling of a wide range of products including babywear, children's wear, ladieswear, accessories, and home textiles. With a license number GOTS-11375 from the Soil Association Certification Ltd., Littleleaf Organics Limited is known for its commitment to providing high-quality, organic handkerchiefs and makeup remover pads. Their certification ensures that their products meet the necessary standards for organic textiles, offering consumers peace of mind when making their purchases.

The company's mission revolves around promoting sustainability and eco-conscious practices in the fashion industry. Littleleaf Organics Limited aims to provide customers with ethically sourced and environmentally friendly clothing and accessories, catering to individuals who prioritize organic and sustainable products for themselves and their families. Their dedication to using organic materials and supporting fair trade practices sets them apart in the market, appealing to a growing segment of conscious consumers seeking ethical alternatives in their shopping choices.

Littleleaf Organics Limited's strength lies in their ability to combine style, comfort, and sustainability in their product offerings. From stylish babywear to trendy ladieswear and practical home textiles, the company excels in providing a diverse range of organic options for their customers. By focusing on organic certification and ethical sourcing, Littleleaf Organics Limited ensures that their products not only meet high-quality standards but also contribute positively to the environment and communities involved in their production.

Through their commitment to organic certification and sustainable practices, Littleleaf Organics Limited offers a solution for consumers looking to make environmentally conscious choices in their shopping habits. By providing a range of organic clothing and accessories, the company enables customers to dress themselves and their families in stylish, eco-friendly options without compromising on quality or style. Littleleaf Organics Limited's products are designed to benefit both the consumers and the environment, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable and ethical fashion choices in the market.

Swagg Screen & Textil AB is a prominent company based in Sweden specializing in printing, processing, and trading within the textile industry. They are known for their expertise in embroidery, embellishment, and packing services, catering to a wide range of product categories including babywear, children's wear, ladieswear, and men's wear. With a strong focus on using organic and recycled materials, Swagg Screen & Textil AB stands out for their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices.

The company's mission is to provide high-quality textile solutions while promoting environmental consciousness through their use of organic cotton and recycled polyester. Their strength lies in their ability to offer a diverse range of products, from babies' apparel to men's and women's clothing, all made with organic materials. Swagg Screen & Textil AB envisions a future where sustainable fashion is the norm, and they strive to lead by example in the industry.

Swagg Screen & Textil AB's services not only meet the needs of their target audience but also contribute to a greener and more ethical fashion industry. By offering products made with organic and recycled materials, they address the growing demand for sustainable clothing options. Their commitment to quality and sustainability sets them apart in the market, making them a preferred choice for environmentally-conscious consumers and businesses alike.

Muazuddin Knit Fashion Ltd. is a reputable company based in Bangladesh, specializing in dyeing, manufacturing, finishing, printing, and knitting of a wide range of apparel including babywear, ladieswear, children's wear, and men's wear. With a certification from Clean Globe International, their commitment to quality and sustainability is evident. The company's mission is to provide high-quality, GOTS certified products to consumers while adhering to ethical and environmentally friendly practices.

Known for their expertise in the textile industry, Muazuddin Knit Fashion Ltd. offers a diverse range of clothing options for different demographics. Their focus on innovation and quality sets them apart in the competitive market. By utilizing cutting-edge technology and premium materials, they deliver products that meet the needs and preferences of their target audience.

Muazuddin Knit Fashion Ltd. aims to address the growing demand for sustainable and responsibly sourced clothing. Their services not only cater to the fashion-conscious consumer but also contribute to a greener and more ethical industry. By offering GOTS certified products, the company ensures that their customers can make informed and environmentally conscious choices when purchasing apparel.

Through their dedication to quality, sustainability, and innovation, Muazuddin Knit Fashion Ltd. continues to be a trusted name in the textile industry. Their products not only meet the highest standards but also reflect their vision of a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. With a focus on customer satisfaction and environmental responsibility, the company remains at the forefront of the fashion industry in Bangladesh.

Toby Tiger Wholesale Ltd is a prominent company based in the United Kingdom, specializing in trading, retailing, and storing a wide range of products including babywear, garments, underwear, and accessories. With a focus on warehousing and distribution, Toby Tiger Wholesale Ltd is known for its commitment to quality and sustainability, holding the GOTS license number GOTS-11409. The company imports products from non-EU countries and offers a diverse range of items such as socks, hats, sweatshirts, trousers, sleepsuits, dribble bibs, muslin cloths, leggings, and long-sleeved t-shirts.

Known for its dedication to ethical practices and environmentally friendly products, Toby Tiger Wholesale Ltd aims to provide high-quality, certified organic clothing and accessories for babies and children. Their GOTS certification ensures that their products meet stringent organic standards, appealing to eco-conscious consumers. By offering a wide range of babywear and garments, Toby Tiger Wholesale Ltd caters to parents and caregivers who prioritize sustainability and natural materials for their little ones.

The company's vision is to offer stylish and comfortable clothing options for children while promoting sustainable and ethical practices in the fashion industry. Toby Tiger Wholesale Ltd's products not only meet the needs of parents looking for organic and safe clothing options for their children but also contribute to a greener and more sustainable future. With a strong emphasis on quality, design, and eco-friendliness, Toby Tiger Wholesale Ltd stands out as a trusted supplier of organic babywear and accessories in the United Kingdom.

JACKY Baby- und Kindermoden GmbH is a renowned company based in Germany specializing in baby and children's fashion. They are known for their high-quality organic cotton clothing and accessories for babies, ensuring both comfort and sustainability. With a focus on providing eco-friendly products, JACKY Baby- und Kindermoden GmbH caters to parents who prioritize organic and safe materials for their little ones.

The company's mission is to offer stylish and safe clothing options for babies, made with organic materials to promote a healthy and environmentally conscious lifestyle. Their strength lies in their commitment to quality and sustainability, reflected in their GOTS certification and use of organic cotton in their products. JACKY Baby- und Kindermoden GmbH envisions a world where children can dress fashionably while also contributing to a greener planet.

Their range of products includes organic cotton babywear, accessories, and clothing made with a blend of organic cotton and recycled polyester. These offerings not only provide comfort and style for babies but also address the growing demand for sustainable and ethical fashion choices in the market. JACKY Baby- und Kindermoden GmbH's services benefit environmentally conscious parents by offering a reliable source of organic and safe clothing options for their little ones, ensuring peace of mind and a healthier choice for their children.

"A VISION OF FAIRNESS TO FARMERS
Fairness to farmers. A closer connection between people and the farmers we all rely on.

This was the essence of the vision that the three Equal Exchange founders — Jonathan Rosenthal, Michael Rozyne and Rink Dickinson — held in their minds and hearts as they stood together on a metaphorical cliff back in 1986.

The three, who had met each other as managers at a New England food co-op, were part of a movement to transform the relationship between the public and food producers. At the time, however, these efforts didn't extend to farmers outside of the U.S.

The founders decided to meet once a week — and did so for three years — to discuss how best to change the way food is grown, bought, and sold around the world. At the end of this time they had a plan for a new organization called Equal Exchange that would be:

-A social change organization that would help farmers and their families gain more control over their economic futures.
-A group that would educate consumers about trade issues affecting farmers.
-A provider of high-quality foods that would nourish the body and the soul.
-A company that would be controlled by the people who did the actual work.
-A community of dedicated individuals who believed that honesty, respect, and mutual benefit are integral to any worthwhile endeavor.
 
No Turning Back

It was a grand vision — with a somewhat shaky grounding in reality. But Rink, Jonathan, and Michael understood that significant change only happens when you're open to taking big risks. So they cried ""¡Adelante!"" (rough translation from the Spanish: ""No turning back!"") and took a running leap off the cliff. They left their jobs. They invested their own money. And they turned to their families and friends for start-up funds and let them know there was a good chance they would never see that money again.

The core group of folks believed in their cause and decided to invest. Their checks provided the $100,000 needed to start the new company. With this modest financing in hand, Rink, Jonathan, and Michael headed into the great unknown. At best, the project, which coupled a private business model with a nonprofit mission, was viewed as utopian; at worst it was regarded as foolish. For the first three years Equal Exchange struggled and, like many new ventures, lost money. But the founders hung on; by the third year they began to break even.

The Changing World of Food

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves in the story. In the mid-1980’s the world of food was going through major changes. The U.S. public was beginning to see their nation's family farms squeezed out and replaced by industrial-scale, corporate-run agribusinesses reliant on toxic chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. As a result, consumer food co-ops who offered their members more organic and locally produced food grew in popularity.

At the same time, the U.S. specialty coffee market was exploding. Coffee aficionados, including many influenced by their travels in Europe, were eager to find and make great coffee here at home. It was not a coincidence that the founders arrived at a strategy to start their venture with fairly traded specialty coffee.

Café Nica: ""The Forbidden Coffee""

They chose Nicaraguan coffee — which they called Café Nica — as the first Equal Exchange product for a few reasons. In 1986, the Reagan administration imposed an embargo on all products from Nicaragua’s Sandinista government. Importing coffee beans from Nicaragua would demonstrate solidarity with the fledgling people's movement and would challenge U.S. trade policies.

Equal Exchange brought Nicaraguan coffee into the U.S. through a loophole in the law. If the coffee was roasted in another country, it could be regarded as a product from that country, and therefore legally imported into the U.S. A friendly Dutch alternative trade organization stepped forward to offer assistance with the brokering and roasting.

Alerted to this symbolic action, the Reagan administration tried to stop the tiny organization. Officials seized Equal Exchange’s Nicaraguan coffee as soon as it arrived in the port of Boston. During their first two years of business, the founders spent many days, with trade lawyers at their side, doing battle with customs officials. Each time the coffee cargo was released it was a small victory.

In 1988, the Office of Foreign Assets Control threatened to close the loophole, and Equal Exchange’s founders launched a campaign against the move. Local and national congressmen, such as Rep. Joe Moakley and his dynamic assistant Jim McGovern, provided critical help alongside a groundswell of grassroots support. The result was a victory that made it clear that Equal Exchange wasn’t going away. Now Rink, Jonathan, and Michael — and a few new members of the Equal Exchange worker-cooperative — could focus all of their efforts on building their alternative business.

Farmer Partners

In those early years, the founders didn't know how to find small-scale farmers to trade with under the enlightened terms that they had envisioned. They spent much of their time trying to identify democratically run farmer groups, understand the internal structure of farmer co-ops, and determine product quality. There was a dramatic learning curve in many areas, including their fluency in Spanish.

Slowly but steadily Equal Exchange located farmer groups and added coffees from cooperatives in Latin America and Africa. By 1991 Equal Exchange had become part of the European Fair Trade network — aligning with groups that were at least a decade ahead of what was happening in the U.S. That movement in Europe was growing rapidly and counterparts there helped the company establish links with farmer cooperatives worldwide.

Tea also seemed like a step in the right direction. First, it was a commodity consumed by millions and second, it was a natural complement to coffee. The founders were already in close contact with representatives from a village movement in Sri Lanka, and by 1987 Equal Exchange brought in its first high-quality black tea. After confronting many obstacles, including a civil war in Sri Lanka, this initial effort eventually failed—only to be followed 10 years later by a successful tea line from India. Today, in an industry dominated by plantations, Equal Exchange is working to establish markets for small-scale tea farmers from India, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.

A Growing Worker Co-op

Around 1991, Equal Exchange established itself as a Fair Trade specialty coffee company, offering loyal food co-op customers a store bin system with a full line of beans, decaf coffee, different roasts, and flavored coffees. By the end of the year what had once been the ""pipe dream"" of reaching $1 million in sales had become a reality.

By 1994, Equal Exchange was a worker-owned cooperative with 20 members—with departments, managers, and a growing number of outside investors. A pivotal early investment by the Adrian Dominican Sisters helped to alert others that this undertaking, however risky, might be worthy of outside financial support.

Another exciting chapter in our history started in 1996, when Equal Exchange joined with Lutheran World Relief in a pathbreaking collaboration to launch what has now become our Interfaith Program. This major initiative helped Equal Exchange create partnerships with communities of faith throughout the U.S. Over the next seven years more than 10,000 congregations across the U.S. began using our Fair Trade coffee.

The idea of Fair Trade had caught on among a small but growing segment of American consumers during this same period. In 1998, a system of Fair Trade product certification was launched in the U.S. This was also the year that an Equal Exchange office opened in Oregon in order to support the growth of West Coast sales.

Cocoa and Chocolate Join the Mix

In 2001, we polled our Interfaith partners to determine what new Fair Trade products would inspire them. The response from congregations could be summed up in a single word: “cocoa.” With this in mind, we put together a hot cocoa mix that met our standards of quality and social responsibility — a partnership between cocoa, sugar, and dairy cooperatives.

Our hot cocoa mix has helped us reach out to a different group of farmers and has provided options for people who want to be certain that their cocoa is not being harvested by slave or child labor. It has allowed children in the U.S. to participate in promoting Fair Trade along with their parents. A year after successfully launching the hot cocoa mix, we added baking cocoa powder.

The next logical step was to introduce Fair Trade chocolate bars, which we did in 2004. Three varieties of Equal Exchange bars meant working with ingredients sourced from around the world. The chocolate bars met with an enthusiastic reception by Equal Exchange supporters of all ages. Through the bars, we have brought our work with cocoa farmers to the next level — and provided consumers with an alternative to West African chocolate tainted by slavery.

Over 30 Years and Counting

Today, Equal Exchange is a thriving model of Fair Trade that has exceeded our founders’ original vision. With over 30 years of experience behind us — a history replete with successes, failures, innovative partnerships, exciting new products, and inspiring stories — we are nevertheless humbled by just how far we still need to go. Not so long ago, the specialty coffee industry dismissed our vision of more equitable relationships with farmers as unrealistic. Today there are some 400 coffee companies purchasing at least a small portion of their coffee under Fair Trade terms.

But the growth of Fair Trade has not come without profound challenges. The acceptance of large plantations and corporations such as Nestlé into the Fair Trade labeling system calls into question the very underpinnings of the certification system of which we are a part. And even with our successes, most small-scale farmers around the world remain impoverished and at the mercy of volatile and complex commodity systems.

Over the next few decades, Equal Exchange needs to engage and collaborate with like-minded partners and stakeholders throughout the Fair Trade system if we are to continue to transform how business is done. Our vision includes breaking new ground by bringing Fair Trade home—by fostering direct relationships with family farmers here in the United States. Our collective achievements of the past 30 years prove that we can create change beyond our wildest dreams.

We invite you to share in our vision of a better world — a vision that connects us more closely to the food we eat and to the farmers who grow it."