Fair Trade Means More Than Coffee at Frontier Natural Products Co-Op?

Norway, IA (Vocus) October 4, 2007-- Fair Trade is about much more than coffee, and the Frontier Natural Products Co-op product selection proves it. The leading natural products supplier offers 31 non-coffee Fair Trade Certified? products -- from expected items like teas, herbs and cocoa powder to surprising ones like vanilla extract and baking mixes. Frontier is offering 15% off its entire line of Fair Trade Certified products during October in celebration of Fair Trade Month.

"Most people who know about Fair Trade associate it with coffee, and many of them don't realize that Fair Trade programs now support workers producing a number of other agricultural products," says Tony Bedard, Frontier's CEO. "The same injustice -- getting only a few cents for their part in producing a product that sells for many dollars here in the United States -- faces both coffee farmers and those who grow other products in developing countries," he says. "Frontier is pleased to help improve that situation by carrying a large and ever-increasing selection of Fair Trade Certified products."

"Frontier has been committed to sustainable agriculture, fair business practices and community support from its earliest days," says Bedard. "We were one of the first natural products suppliers to champion organics. And our close relationships with growers around the world have led naturally to numerous programs supporting the growers and their communities. Fair Trade is a natural partner in our ongoing commitment to responsible business."

Products produced under Fair Trade guidelines give farmers who are raising crops or producing products in poor countries a fair price when they go to market. So far, sales of Fair Trade Certified products have pumped nearly $80 million in additional income to farmers, farm workers, and their families. As a result, over a million farmers and farm workers in 58 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America have been able to enjoy an improved standard of living for their families and communities.

Fair Trade changes the lowest-price business model that has meant a life sentence of poverty for many farmers in developing countries to one where the farmers' quality of life is equally important as a company's profitability. (And it seems to be a change people are ready for -- a recent marketing survey by Cone, Inc. shows that 92 percent of U.S. consumers value companies that promote social issues.)

"People are behind this idea," says Bedard. "We just have to let them know that the choices are available to them." That's just what Frontier hopes to do with its Fair Trade Month promotion and year-round commitment to Fair Trade Certified products.

Frontier Natural Products Co-op?

Founded in 1976 and based in Norway, Iowa, Frontier Natural Products Co-op(TM) offers a full line of natural and organic products under the Frontier, Simply Organic®, Aura Cacia® and Aura Cacia Organics® brands. Products include culinary herbs, spices and baking flavors; bulk herbs and spices; and natural and organic aromatherapy products. Frontier's goal is to provide consumers with the highest-quality organic and natural products while supporting and promoting social and environmental responsibility. For more information, visit Frontier's website at www.frontiercoop.com.

Fair Trade Month

October 2007 is the fourth annual National Fair Trade Month. This event offers consumers an opportunity to learn more about Fair Trade, discover the variety of products available, and make purchasing choices that have a positive impact on farmers in developing countries. Paul Rice, President and CEO of TransFair USA, encourages consumers to support Fair Trade with the money they spend on food and other purchases. "Fair Trade empowers poor farmers by giving them the opportunity to trade directly with buyers and earn a better price for their products," he says. "By purchasing goods with the Fair Trade Certified label, the consumer is making a real, positive, sustainable difference in the lives of small farmers around the world."

TransFair USA

TransFair USA is the only independent, third-party certifier of Fair Trade Certified? products in the United States. TransFair USA audits and certifies transactions between U.S. companies offering Fair Trade Certified products and their international suppliers to guarantee that the farmers and workers producing Fair Trade Certified goods were paid fair prices and wages. TransFair USA certifies coffee, tea, herbs, vanilla, cocoa, chocolate, rice, sugar and bananas. Visit www.FairTradeCertified.org for more info.

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