Fairtrade Network in India to Host Second National Fairtrade in India Conference & Recognition Event in Bengaluru on 9–10 September 2025

Landmark two-day gathering to convene 150+ global and Indian producers, businesses, policymakers, and sustainability leaders to advance ethical trade, resilient supply chains, and climate-conscious markets in India.

Bengaluru, August 28, 2025: Fairtrade India (Centre for Social Markets), in collaboration with the Fairtrade Network of Asia and Pacific Producers (Fairtrade-NAPP), will organize the Second National Fairtrade in India Conference & Recognition Event on 9–10 September 2025 at The Chancery Pavilion, Bengaluru. The event is supported by the European Union’s SWITCH-Asia Programme and EC FFPA.

FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY, MARKETS, AND IMPACT

The conference will bring together more than 150 global and Indian stakeholders from across the Fairtrade ecosystem, including Farmers’ organisations and plantations, businesses, policymakers, academia, civil society, and youth representatives. With the theme “Sustainability, Markets, and Impact,” the two-day programme will highlight the role of Fairtrade in advancing ethical trade, strengthening sustainable agriculture, and enabling resilient supply chains in and from India.

INDIA’S FAIRTRADE MOMENTUM

• Domestic sales of Fairtrade-labelled products grew from ₹23.92 crore (2022) to ₹77.22 crore (2024) – more than a threefold increase measured in terms of GMV (Gross Merchandise Value).
• Exports of Fairtrade-certified products from India are estimated at between ₹330 to ₹450 crore annually.
• Fairtrade Premium contribution of nearly ₹49.81 crore (5.57million Euros ) generated in 2023 alone,  have been reinvested in Indian farming communities for education, healthcare, infrastructure, and sustainable agriculture.

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

The two-day programme will feature plenary and breakout sessions on some of the most pressing themes in sustainable trade, including:

• Fairtrade’s contribution to sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.
• Decarbonisation in the textile sector and a just transition for MSMEs.
• Navigating EU sustainability regulations and opportunities for Indian producers.
• Impact stories from Fairtrade producers, including farmers and plantation workers.
• Building sustainable fashion brands with leading Indian apparel companies.
• Youth and education initiatives, including a Fairtrade-only e-commerce platform developed by students.
• Innovative business models and collaborative partnerships across stakeholders to expand domestic Fairtrade markets in India.

DISTINGUISHED LINE UP OF SPEAKERS

The conference will also convene a distinguished line-up of global and Indian leaders, including:

• Lisa Prassack, CEO, Fairtrade International (first visit to India).
• Blaise Desbordes, Managing Director, Max Havelaar France.
• Claudia Brueck, Executive Board Member, Fairtrade Germany.
• Abhishek Jani, CEO, Fairtrade India Project.
• Bindu S, CEO, Fairtrade Network of Asia and Pacific Producers.
• Charath Narsimhan, Managing Director, Indian Terrain Fashions Ltd.
• Vivek Sandhwar, COO, Being Human.
• Pravakar Meher, Director, Pratima Agro & Paper, and Chairman, Fairtrade-NAPP.
• Prarthana Borah, VP – Sustainability, Momentum India Pvt. Ltd.
• MSME leaders from Tirupur, sharing experiences on driving decarbonisation in textiles.

Commenting on the second edition, Mr. Pravakar Meher, Chairman, Fairtrade Network of Asia and Pacific Producers (NAPP), said, “The first edition of the National Fairtrade Conference laid a strong foundation for advancing ethical and sustainable trade in India. Building on this momentum, the second edition brings together producer members—including farmers’ cooperatives and plantations—along with businesses, policymakers, and consumers to place Fairtrade firmly on the national agenda.  For farmers and workers, it translates into fairer prices and stronger livelihoods; for businesses, it offers transparent and responsible supply chains that meet the rising demand for sustainability.”

Mr. Abhishek Jani, CEO, Fairtrade India Project, added, “As global trading conditions become more volatile and effects of climate change become more devastating, it is crucial that we enable sustainable livelihoods for the farming communities and MSMEs. Fairtrade India has been working on building sustainability driven markets and value chains with this focus.  With fashion accounting for nearly 75% of our domestic Fairtrade Labelled market, and MSMEs driving decarbonisation in textiles, India is uniquely positioned to lead on ethical and climate-conscious supply chains. This conference is about mainstreaming Fairtrade – making sustainability accessible, scalable, and impactful for farmers, businesses, and consumers alike.”

RECOGNITION OF FAIRTRADE CHAMPIONS

The event will also feature the Fairtrade Recognition Awards, celebrating leading producer organizations, businesses, textile manufacturers, academic institutions, and youth changemakers for their contribution to strengthening the Fairtrade movement in India.