When trade flourishes, countries can develop and economies can grow. This leads to a variety of offerings that are adapted to consumer needs. Production, supply chain, distribution – the entire system becomes more efficient, thus increasing prosperity. So why change the rules of trade? Because wealth is unevenly distributed and we as consumers cannot see the whole picture.
In order for wealth to be more equally distributed through trade, poor countries require more investments and know-how. At the same time, policies aimed at ensuring fair redistribution are needed within and between countries. Until then, power will remain in the hands of companies. And if they do not value fairness and only share profits with investors, then they are fostering inequality.
On the other side, there are the consumers. Although they likely do not want to buy products that destroy the environment or cause social suffering, they do just that. They simply lack the necessary knowledge to ascertain the sustainability and fairness of a product. The unconcerned consumer relies on government regulations while the mindful consumer relies on labels.
Both government and labels are helpful. But both fall short. Swiss laws are of interest to no one in Burkina Faso, and labels have no influence on corporate policies and economic fairness. They merely ensure minimum standards instead of fostering more sustainability and justice.
Together, with your help, we want to change that and turn the rules of the game upside down. To find out about our approach, continue reading here.
gebana AG, Ausstellungsstrasse 21, 8005 Zürich, Schweiz
gebana AG, Ausstellungsstrasse 21, 8005 Zürich, Schweiz
Smallholders and local producers harvest and refine products of extraordinary quality worldwide. But for many of these producers there is no adequate or stable market. You can buy directly from these producers via the Access to Market Platform and help them to participate in the market. The principle behind this is crowd ordering – a new trade model whereby a number of consumers order a product together so as to achieve a minimum order quantity. We at gebana support the producers with our know-how, and organise the logistics.
Enable someone to make their first export with your order. Please note: Unexpected events often lead to delays, and you may find that the quality is not yet perfect. For this reason, your feedback is absolutely essential. The export experience and your feedback are important steps for the producers towards accessing the market. As a customer, you are witness to the whole process, playing your part in pioneering work.
You can order from these producers simply and directly. You receive your product as soon as the minimum order quantity has been reached and the products are ready. The risk for you is minimal, since the producers already have a product that is ready for market. This sales channel is beneficial to both the producers and the consumers, since it cuts out the middle man.
Be part of the development of supply chains and support innovation! Some of the ways you can do this include testing new products, giving feedback, or financially supporting the producers in their next steps. In doing so, you will be able to see for yourself how the products and supply chains develop.
This is where you can see all the completed projects on the Access to Market Platform at a glance. You can find out where products are now available from or whether the producers are still seeking a trade partner.