2023 Game Changers: Fair Trade USA, Factory Program Redesign
As consumer demand for private label products grows, retailers and suppliers continue to up their game bringing to market a bevy of new products across multiple categories. Product launches over the past year show a continued effort to give consumers high value items that offer retailers the opportunity to differentiate from their competitors.
For the third year, Store Brands is honoring those in private label that are pushing the boundaries and driving the industry forward. Below are the people, product innovations and brands that are this year’s Game Changers.
Fair Trade USA, Factory Program Redesign
As the leading certifier of fair trade products in North America, Fair Trade USA helps retailers and consumers identify ethically- and sustainably-sourced grocery and home products.
Through its recently redesigned factory program, the nonprofit is able to streamline factory onboarding, enact progressive requirements that encourage continuous improvement, expand the product categories it certifies, and simplify cost structures for suppliers.
Through the program, suppliers around the world can take steps towards sustainability and have their products recognized as such. Also in 2022, e.l.f. Beauty became the first supplier in the beauty industry to become Fair Trade Certified for a manufacturing facility. More than 200 e.l.f. products now display the Fair Trade Certified seal.
Last October, Fair Trade USA exceeded $1 billion in financial impact to farmers, workers, fishers and communities around the globe since its inception in 1998.