Fair trade, business and sustainable development

Fair trade has never been more popular, with worldwide sales soaring. This editorial to the special issue of Sustainable Development on 'Fair trade, business and sustainable development' introduces the topic and papers within the special issue. It discusses the success of the 'fairtrade' brand and the impacts of fair trade schemes as well as the future of the brand. The paper concludes that this alternative trading system does work in practical terms and in helping marginalized producers in developing countries. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.