Beyond profit: analysing the balance between economic sustainability, social equity, and environmental responsibility in World Fair Trade Organisation enterprises

In a world where corporate responsibility is becoming crucial to facing our future, the World Fair Trade Organisation certifies enterprises that adhere to Fair Trade Principles, ensuring their commitment to social, economic, and environmental sustainability. This thesis presents the results of the analysis of the Self Assessment Reports, documents that all Fair Trade enterprises must complete when applying to become WFTO members and on a periodic basis thereafter. The data extracted from these reports were reorganised in a MySQL database and then analysed in aggregate form with the aim of highlighting the strengths of Fair Trade Enterprises, identifying areas for potential improvement, and comparing some of their results with those of more traditional companies whenever possible. The study begins by outlining a general overview of Fair Trade enterprises, describing their geographical distribution, organisational types, and product categories, as well as the brand values they uphold. The work then examines the operational aspects of these organisations, focusing on their activities, gross sales, and profit use. A section focusing on their gender equity efforts is also included, with a comparison to the global average results. Finally, the study analyses how these enterprises comply with the WFTO Fair Trade Standard Criteria, for example, by creating opportunities for economically marginalised producers, ensuring transparency in their management and accountability to all their stakeholders, and implementing fair trade practices with concern for the social, economic, and environmental well-being of producers and workers. Fair Trade organisations must also demonstrate their commitment to ensuring good working conditions for workers and producers, supporting the development of their skills and capacities, and promoting climate action and environmental protection.