apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Equal Exchange was founded by three three former managers of a New England food co-op in an effort to transform the relationship between the public and food producers - especially farmers outside the U.S. The resulting Equal Exchange co-op has these values:

-- A social change organization that would help farmers and their families gain more control over their economic futures.
-- A group that would educate consumers about trade issues affecting farmers.
-- A provider of high-quality foods that would nourish the body and the soul.
-- A company that would be controlled by the people who did the actual work.
-- A community of dedicated individuals who believed that honesty, respect, and mutual benefit are integral to any worthwhile endeavor.

The products and online store that came out of this mission are great. Sara Kate used their chocolate in her book recipe testing, and Faith uses their coffee regularly. They have a large program that benefits farmers of sugar, cacao, and coffee by coming alongside as a partner - not just a buyer.

Their retail store offers organic and shade-grown coffee, chocolate like this yummy Organic Chocolate Espresso Bean bar, and hot cocoa, tea, and other products made in a Fair Trade process.

They also offer goods wholesale and they have an entire program dedicated to getting churches and other nonprofits to switch to Fair Trade coffee for their gatherings.

We recommend them and their coffee highly! Also check out some tips straight from the coffee growers for making a great cup of coffee: Brewing Tips from Equal Exchange.