For 50 years, the fair trade company GEPA has been a pioneer in its sector for fair trade relations with producers in the Global South. Bread for the World and Misereor support GEPA as shareholders and thus strengthen businesses in Africa, Asia and Latin America. In view of unstable trade relations, the tariff dispute emanating from the USA and planned cuts in development cooperation, both aid organisations are calling for a decisive strengthening of fair trade - as exemplified by GEPA for decades.

"Especially in times of crisis, stable and reliable trade relations are indispensable. Fair Trade shows that a respectful, transparent trade relationship can work even under difficult conditions. Guaranteed minimum prices and fair conditions enable producers to earn an income that strengthens their families and supports entire communities. Fair Trade is therefore an effective instrument for crisis management and for strengthening sustainable structures. GEPA combines this vision of a fairer world with concrete action and thus makes consumers an offer to commit to fairness in the supply chains," emphasises Torsten Müller, Head of Finance at Bread for the World and spokesperson for the GEPA shareholders' meeting.

Turnover of around 85 million euros

"GEPA has written a remarkable piece of consumer history: its products from countries such as Colombia, Ghana and Bangladesh have been available in supermarkets since the 1990s. GEPA has always stood for practised responsibility along the entire supply chain - with an annual turnover of around 85 million euros. Originating from a church youth movement, GEPA is one of the best organisations that the two major Christian churches have created in recent decades. On average, every German now spends around 30 euros a year on fair trade products. This is a trend that GEPA has played a major role in shaping," praises Annette Ptassek, Misereor board member and member of the GEPA shareholders' meeting.