As consumer demand for fair trade coffee grows, multinationals are attempting to cash in on a niche market. This could pose a threat to the independent retailers like Planet Bean who first brought us fair trade and who are committed to the broad ideals of the fair trade movement – rather than just the stamp on the disposable cup.

“We need changes in the structures of business itself,” insists Cameron. “Under public pressure a global company may finally agree to carry a line of fair trade coffee. But this window dressing doesn’t address the core issues of control and profit maximization that are at the heart of the inequities in global trade. The dominant global corporations will never create a more just world for all.”

Planet Bean has challenged the dominant business structure by choosing to incorporate as a cooperative. “We put job creation and democracy into our bottom line,” explains Cameron. This makes sense, he adds, considering that the coffee growers who want to be certified as Fair Trade must be democratically owned or run as a cooperative. “Why then,” asks Cameron, “Can anyone in the ‘North’ or ‘Developed World’ [like McDonalds] sell Fair Trade?!”

According to Cameron, co-operatives are different corporate structures that put people first. Trade, economics, and business should be about all people - their relationships with each other, with the earth, and with future generations he says. “Within Planet Bean, fair trade and co-operation are our main focus.”

Coffee sold at Planet Bean is exclusively fairly traded. The company also sells fair trade tea, sugar and chocolate. “Fair Trade means we have negotiated a fair price with our co-op growers and paid an extra premium for investments in their communities like education and health care,” explains Cameron. Fair – or alternative - trade is a radical departure from the way international trade has been conducted for centuries, and it is different from the usual solution offered up to help charity. “Alternative trade goes far beyond charity,” explains Cameron. “Instead of making one-time donations that provide temporary assistance, consumers create a stream of economic assistance by buying alternative-trade products when they shop. They use their dollars to vote for fair trade. Over time, the premiums pay farmers up to twice what they would have received in the open market.”

Planet Bean coffee is also ecologically grown and often certified organic. “Ecologically Grown means that our coffee is grown in the shade of tropical forests, which protects habitat for creatures including many of our migratory songbirds,” explains Cameron. “It also means the farmers and drinkers of our coffee are not exposed to harmful chemicals.”

Planet Bean Coffee is part of a larger movement towards a more just world. Cameron describes it as “the triple bottom line: economic, social and environmental.” It also arguably “the most flavourful cup of coffee in town.”

Visit Planet Bean Coffee at 21 Macdonell Street in Guelph or visit the website at:
www.planetbeancoffee.com