FAIR

I've been meaning to write this post for a while, so apologies that I haven't managed to until now.

As part of my blog, I want to discuss products and the producers of the products which interest and/or excite me.  Today, I want to talk to you about a company called FAIR.

I was lucky enough to meet the global brand ambassador, Paul Bungener, at an event hosted by Divine Chocolate, where I was introduced to the brand and was taken not only by their products but by their ethos.

FAIR. are the world's first Fair Trade certified spirit brand.  

For those of you who don't know about Fair Trade, here are a few facts:
There are 632 certified producers in the world which includes 1.5 million farmers in the 74 poorest counties in the world.  7 million people benefit directly from Fair Trade.
In the UK in 2015 sales of Fair Trade products sat at £1.67 billion and 4 out of 5 people trust the Fair Trade mark.

​As someone who buys Fair Trade tea bags, coffee and chocolate to know I can now buy Fair Trade alcohol is something pretty special.  Given that alcohol is made through the fermentation of sugars, why shouldn't there be such a thing?

 
FAIR. agrees and they believe in giving back.  They guarantee higher margins to producers, donate 2.5% of their turnover to the financing of local development programs and given where they source their ingredients they impact the farming communities in Bolivia, Belize, Uzbekistan, Paraguay and Malawi.

Founded in 2009 by Alexendre Koiransky, FAIR. have a range of spirits including vodka and liqueurs.  

Their desire to combine French know-how and Fair Trade ingredients is what gave birth to their delicious range of products.  They spend time sourcing the finest Fair Trade ingredients and have broken the mould when it comes to how they make their spirits.  Vodka, traditionally made through fermenting cereal grains or potatoes, is shaken up by using quinoa seeds and is brewed and distilled in the Cognac region which gives a unique flavour.  The quinoa is organically grown and Fair Trade certified and is sourced from 1200 independent farmers in the Bolivian Andes.  It is a great full and delicate vodka that is drinkable on its own but equally as at home in a cocktail - especially in an espresso martini when paired with FAIR. Café Liqueur!

The liqueur is made from 100% Arabica coffee beans and infused into a vodka base to create a rich, full flavour.  The coffee beans are sourced from a co-op of 1800 independent farmers in Mexico and are, of course, fair trade certified.  Like the vodka, it is bottled in the Cognac region in France.

Not only are FAIR. a brand who give back, they are also award winning.  Their vodka has won several awards including Best Vodka at the 2009 New York Spirits Awards, Best Tasting Vodka in the 50 Best Imports 2012 and a double gold medal at the Asian Spirits Masters 2014.

If, like me, you care about where your products come from and want to make sure that every farmer who has a hand in creating the products you buy gets something back, let me suggest you try FAIR.  If you don't believe me, believe the awards, and if you don't believe the awards just try it and you'll definitely believe the taste.

Think Human.  Drink FAIR.

If you want to try FAIR. for yourself (and I truly believe you should), you can buy it from Gerry's at 74 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4UW or online from 31dover.com.  

Find FAIR. online at www.fairsprits.com; twitter @FAIRSpirits; instagram @fairspirits and facebook facebook.com/fairspirits