Activity Description: Equal Exchange was founded in 1986 to create a new approach to trade, one that engages consumers and builds relationships through cooperative principles. The company is structured as a for-profit, worker-owned cooperative. Every worker-owner invests in the company, and over 300 outside shareholders have invested as well.

Equal Exchange trades directly with democratically organized small farmer cooperatives. Producers are given a guaranteed minimum price that provides a stable source of income as well as improved social services. Equal Exchange also facilitates access to credit for producer organizations.

The coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar and other products sold by Equal Exchange are all produced using environmentally sustainable methods. Their organic and fair trade status makes these products appealing to a growing market for socially and environmentally friendly items.