In the enchanting world of tea, Fair Trade is stirring a transformation, weaving ethical and sustainable practices into every leaf. From nurturing the lives of tea workers through fair wages to fostering community development with premiums, Fair Trade is a potent elixir for positive change. It encourages environmental stewardship, empowers small-scale producers, and promotes transparency and quality in the supply chain, all while preserving the rich tapestry of cultural traditions within the tea industry.Yet, amid this aromatic infusion, Fair Trade grapples with limitations. Certification costs may challenge smaller producers, and the movement faces the ebb and flow of market dynamics. While it champions equitable wages, some argue that an overemphasis on certification may overshadow other vital sustainability practices. Despite these challenges, Fair Trade remains a beacon, inviting tea enthusiasts to savor not just the flavor but the nuanced journey toward a more equitable and sustainable tea industry.

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1. LemonAid+ ChariTea

Instagram | @lemonaid.charitea
Based in | United Kingdom / Germany
Shipping | Germany, United Kingdom, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Certifications | Vegan Certified, Fair Trade Certified, Organic Certified

With every Lemonaid & ChariTea bottle purchased, the brand helps you to support organic farming, fair trade, and impactful social projects. The 100% organic certification reflects a commitment to respecting the communities and lands that cultivate the ingredients. Lemonaid & ChariTea annually visits cultivation regions, ensuring a firsthand understanding of their farming partners' cultures and living conditions. Ingredients are sourced from Fairtrade certified co-operatives and farms, guaranteeing farmers fair prices for their products and empowering them to plan for the long term. The company aims to create positive change, supporting projects enhancing social, economic, and ecological structures in the Global South via each bottle sold.

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2. Clipper Teas

Instagram | @clipperteas
Based in | United Kingdom
Shipping | Worldwide
Certifications | B Corp Certified, COSMOS ORGANIC by Soil Association, Fair Trade Certified

Established in 1984 by tea enthusiasts in a Dorset kitchen, Clipper began with a mission for great tea, ethically sourced and naturally produced. From starting with two chests of Assam tea, Clipper now offers over 150 products across 50 countries, all blended in their Dorset factory. A pioneer in Fairtrade certified tea company since 1994, Clipper is the world's largest buyer, supporting 114,000 producers globally for 25 years. Their commitment extends to purity – no artificial ingredients – and in 2018, they became the first tea company to introduce Plant-Based, Biodegradable, non-GM, and unbleached tea bags. Green initiatives continue, from production to packaging. Clipper Teas are available in Tesco, Amazon, Sainsburys, Waitrose, Co-op, Morrisons and other 50 retailers.

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3. English Tea Shop

Instagram | @englishteashop
Based in | United Kingdom
Shipping | Worldwide
Certifications | B Corp Certified, Organic Certified, Fair Trade Certified, ISO 9001, ISO 27001, ISO 22000

Committed to producing the finest organic teas, English Tea Shop goes beyond ensuring quality to foster a net positive impact on the planet and the lives of everyone involved in the journey from farm to cup. Adhering to all regulatory standards, the company integrates sustainability into every facet of its operations, aiming to make a positive difference through its business practices. As ardent tea enthusiasts, this brand is a go-to for us. When we discover it, a smile accompanies every sip of their tea.

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4. Pukka Herbs

Instagram | @pukkaherbs
Based in | United Kingdom
Shipping | United Kingdom
Certifications | B Corp, 1% for the Planet, Fair Trade Certified, COSMOS ORGANIC by Soil Association

Pukka Herbs was founded with the clear objective of promoting the well-being of people, plants, and the planet. Guided by principles of organic farming, fair trade, and a dedication to conservation through commerce, the company ensures that all ingredients in their herbal creations adhere to rigorous social and environmental standards. In a commitment to transparency, Pukka Herbs provides consumers with direct access to its impact report. To further enforce accountability in their business activities, the company established its Mission Council, aligning with its mission of fostering a positive social and environmental impact.

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5. Arbor Teas‍

Instagram | @arborteas
Based in | United States
Shipping | US and Canada
Certifications | USDA Organic, Fair Trade Certified

Arbor Teas is committed to delivering the finest organic, Fair Trade teas sustainably. The brand meticulously selects high-quality teas meeting strict standards, storing them in cold rooms for freshness. Sustainability is at the core, with a preference for local sources and a commitment to sourcing only organic teas and herbs. The brand minimizes its carbon footprint through sea freight and ground transportation, advocating for eco-friendly farming practices. Packaging is environmentally conscious, utilizing compostable materials like cellulose and sugarcane-based paper. Arbor Teas leaves their teas as loose leaf to reduce waste. In every step, Arbor Teas prioritizes sustainability for an exceptional and eco-friendly tea experience.

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6. Teapigs

Instagram | @teapigsus
Based in | United States
Shipping | United States
Certifications | B Corp, Rainforest Alliance Certified 

Teapigs prides itself on cultivating high-quality teas in small batches, hand-picking the freshest shoots from the top of the tea bush. While not all teas are certified organic, they undergo rigorous pesticide testing and boast natural ingredients. The brand prioritizes eco-friendly packaging, utilizing materials like corn starch, wood pulp, and vegetable ink, which are either compostable or recyclable, aligning with their commitment to reducing environmental impact. Teapigs also invests in social sustainability, demonstrating its commitment to giving back to the communities where it sources its tea.

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7. Yogi

Instagram | @yogitea
Based in | United States
Shipping | US in grocery stores, Worldwide
Certifications | Rainforest Alliance Certified, B Corp, USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified

Yogi's commitment goes beyond crafting high-quality, delicious teas inspired by Ayurveda's holistic healing philosophy. With over 40 blends made from 140 exotic spices and botanicals, each tea is intentionally formulated to balance body, mind, and spirit. Sustainability is a cornerstone of Yogi's values, starting with rigorous supplier selection and adherence to best practices outlined in the Yogi Global Supplier Expectations Manual. All ingredients undergo regular testing, ensuring they are non-GMO, artificial ingredient-free, and meet the highest standards. Yogi's plastic-free tea packaging, vegetable-based ink, and recycled paper cartons underscore their dedication to environmentally friendly practices, making their tea bags compostable once staples are removed.

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8. Numi

Instagram | @numiorganictea
Based in | United States
Shipping | United States
Certifications | Fair Trade Certified, B Corp, USDA Organic, Climate Neutral Certified

Numi strives to combat climate change, reduce plastic waste, and empower tea farmers globally through its high-quality, Fair Trade, and organic teas. Customer purchases directly contribute to these goals, supporting fair wages and safe working conditions for local farmers. The brand implements regenerative practices, utilizing compostable plant-based tea wrappers made from FSC® certified paper lined with sugarcane-based non-GMO PLA and metallized eucalyptus.

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9. Organic India

Instagram | @organicindiausa
Based in | Multi-national
Shipping | Found in retail stores worldwide
Certifications | B Corp

Organic India caters to health-conscious consumers with a business model focused on fostering a beneficial economic, environmental, and social ecosystem. Their Ayurveda-inspired teas, enriched with Tulsi (Holy Basil), reflect a 5,000-year-old tradition. Implementing bio-regenerative farming practices, the brand ensures environmentally sustainable tea production while revitalizing rural farming communities in India. Through partnerships with 3,000 farms, Organic India actively promotes community healthcare, education, and social change, particularly for women. This holistic approach mirrors their commitment to providing health-conscious teas while positively impacting the communities they serve.

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10. Rishi Tea

Instagram | @rishitea
Based in | United States
Shipping | Worldwide
Certifications | USDA Organic

Rishi, meaning truth seeker in Sanskrit, is an independently owned direct importer of premium, organic teas and botanicals from around the world, and 95% of all products are certified organic. Sustainability, both environmental and social, are an important aspect of this tea business. This is implemented through various business practices across the supply chain and production shown in its three pillars of business, Selector, Importer, and Maker. Under Selector,  Rishi Tea supports farmers who grow ecologically sustainable gardens of high-quality tea and botanicals in remote areas globally. Furthermore, products are purchased directly from artisan growers and special producers. All origin-sourced teas and botanicals are made through ancient and modern techniques following a strict code of ethics and well-being management ²⁴. Additionally, tea packets are made from plant-based material, polylactic acid (PLA) ²⁵. 

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12. Tease

Instagram | @teasewellness
Based in | United States
Shipping | United States
Certifications | B Corp

Indulge in the art of mindful living with Tease, a brand redefining wellness rituals. Guided by a Tea Sommelier & Herbalist, Tease offers meticulously crafted teas to support your journey to well-being. Inspired by the founder's own transformation, each blend embodies intentionality and authenticity. From ethically sourced ingredients to sustainable packaging, Tease is a testament to mindfulness and sustainability. Experience the power of nature with every sip—nourishing, pure, and free from artificial additives. Embrace a life of balance and fulfillment with Tease.

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