A Fair Trade Wine World - Lubanzi

• Posted on 1 February 2024
• Posted in grenache, mouvedre, South Africa, Syrah
• 0

The roots of the Fair Trade movement delve into the 1940s and 1950s, where the impetus came from religious groups and politically oriented NGOs. A pivotal moment arose with the establishment of Ten Thousand Villages, originally known as Self-Help Crafts, offering handmade goods from marginalized communities. By 1946 and 1949, the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) and SERRV International pioneered fair trade supply chains, primarily centered on handicrafts.

The 1960s brought a transformative shift in Europe, marked by the inception of the first coffee cooperatives. Solidaridad, a Dutch organization, laid the groundwork with a 1968 coffee project in Guatemala, turning fair trade into a political statement against neo-imperialism, notably championed by student movements challenging multinational corporations.

The 1980s witnessed the global expansion of Fair Trade, highlighted by the introduction of the first Fair Trade label, Max Havelaar, in the Netherlands, in 1988. This label identified products meeting specific Fair Trade criteria, symbolizing a significant milestone. Concurrently, organizations like the Fair Trade Foundation in the United Kingdom and TransFair International (now Fairtrade International) emerged, formalizing the movement. The 1990s marked the development of Fair Trade certification standards, culminating in the introduction of the recognizable Fairtrade Mark by Fairtrade International in 2002. During this period, the movement expanded globally, encompassing products beyond traditional crafts and coffee to include tea, cocoa, bananas, and wine.

As Fair Trade continued its momentum, the 2000s saw mainstream acceptance and legislative impact. The Fair Trade Certified© Organic Labeling Act in the United States (2002) stands out as a significant legislative step. This era reflects a collective effort to reshape global trade, emphasizing ethical practices and empowering marginalized producers worldwide. Fair Trade evolved from its grassroots origins into a recognized force for creating a more equitable and sustainable global trading system. The movement's evolution showcases a commitment to fairness and justice, transcending geographic and product boundaries.

In the contemporary wine industry, Fair Trade embodies a multifaceted commitment to sustainability, weaving a narrative of empowerment, social responsibility, and environmental consciousness. Beyond mere infrastructure, the Fair Trade Premium embodies a commitment to education. By investing in schools and educational programs, Fair Trade ensures a two-fold impact: the creation of a knowledgeable workforce within the industry, and the cultivation of a culture of learning within wine-producing communities. This investment extends beyond mere projects, shaping the minds of future generations and fostering a holistic approach to community development.

Fair Trade ensures that those nurturing the vines are not relegated to the shadows. Vineyard workers, often grappling with labor challenges, now receive fair wages, significantly improving their living standards. The movement casts a spotlight on safe and healthy working conditions, fostering an environment where workers not only survive but thrive. By investing in healthcare facilities and infrastructure improvements, the positive tendrils of change extend far beyond the vineyards, uplifting entire communities.

Given its profound connection to the land, the wine industry acknowledges and addresses environmental concerns through Fair Trade standards. These standards introduce eco-friendly farming practices, actively reducing the carbon footprint of wine production. Sustainability becomes a guiding principle, aligning vineyards with global efforts to cultivate responsibly and protect the planet. Fair Trade’s commitment to ethical farming practices underscores a conscientious approach to environmental stewardship.

Fair Trade certification propels the wine industry toward transparency and ethical practices throughout the supply chain, supporting the cooperatives, empowering the farmers, and leveling the playing field for fair market access. By fostering responsible business practices, Fair Trade sets a new industry standard for ethical conduct. The certification not only opens doors to a broader market but also resonates with socially conscious consumers. As demand for Fair Trade wines rises, producers can diversify and explore new avenues within the market. What was once a niche has evolved into a choice that resonates with individuals who prioritize the story behind the label.

In the sun-drenched vineyards of South Africa, where the artistry of winemaking meets a commitment to social and environmental responsibility, Lubanzi emerges as a beacon of change. Founded by intrepid travelers Charlie Brain and Walker Brown, Lubanzi goes beyond producing exceptional wine; it is a testament to the belief that business can be a force for good—a catalyst for empowerment, equity, and justice.

Lubanzi proudly collaborates with the Pebbles Project, intertwining their success with the very people and places responsible for the contents of your glass. A remarkable 50 percent of Lubanzi's profits are recycled back into the communities that nurture the vines, creating a harmonious cycle of sustainability and support.

More than a wine brand, Lubanzi is a celebration of South Africa’s rich tapestry—its culture, its people, and its landscapes. The founders built Lubanzi with a vision to make a tangible difference in the lives of those toiling on the country’s wine farms. It’s a stand for global citizenship, a testament to the value of adventure, and a commitment to forging a happier, more tolerant, and interconnected world.

Lubanzi’s ethos revolves around the power of business to change the world positively. This belief is not just rhetoric, but a commitment to Fair Trade principles. The brand is proud to be Fair For Life Fair Trade Certified©, ensuring that human rights are protected at every stage of production. From vineyard to cellar, fair and just working conditions prevail, and smallholder farmers receive their fair share.

As a startup with roots in Cape Town, Lubanzi’s journey is a story of wanderlust and a passion for positive impact. The brand’s Fair Trade plan outlines a mission to enhance its ability to make a positive impact. This includes purchasing Fair Trade Certified products, supporting workers, and ensuring that the Fair Trade Premium benefits all employees in producer operations.

Lubanzi’s commitment to social responsibility and environmental sustainability extends to its choice of partners. The brand carefully evaluates suppliers, vendors, and partners based on a set of criteria that go beyond words to actions. From a commitment to positive social and environmental impacts to a dedication to serving beneficiaries in need, Lubanzi seeks partners who share their values.

Looking ahead, Lubanzi has set ambitious long-term goals. The brand aspires to produce exclusively 100 percent Fair Trade Certified wines, to grow the turnover of all Fair Trade products annually, and to collaborate exclusively with partners meeting stringent criteria. These goals align with Lubanzi’s overarching mission to craft and share wines that create a meaningful difference in the lives of South Africa’s wine farm laborers.

As you uncork a bottle of Lubanzi, you’re not just indulging in fine wine; you’re partaking in a movement—a movement towards a more equitable, sustainable, and socially responsible wine industry. Lubanzi isn’t just crafting wines; they’re crafting change—one sip at a time. Here’s to raising your glass for a vintage of values. Cheers!