Equal Exchange, Inc.

United States · Food & Beverages

Equal Exchange is a worker-owned cooperative and fair trade organization founded in 1986. The company focuses on creating equitable partnerships with small-scale farmers and operates under a democratic model where employees elect leadership and participate in decision-making. With over 100 worker-owners, Equal Exchange emphasizes pre-harvest financing, allowing cooperatives to purchase crops upfront, a practice it pioneered in the U.S. fair trade movement. The company offers a range of products, including coffee sourced from cooperatives in Latin America and Africa, ethically sourced chocolate, tea, and bananas. It also provides specialty items like flavored coffees and decaf options. Equal Exchange engages in fair trade advocacy, education, and outreach, partnering with global networks to promote trade justice. With annual sales of $55.6 million, it serves food co-ops, specialty retailers, and socially conscious consumers, emphasizing sustainability and equity in its operations. The company's mission is to ensure farmers receive fair prices and ownership opportunities, influencing the broader fair trade movement.