Fairtrade is all about fair trade

The concept of fair trade was first mooted in the 1940s and 1950s. Shove the words together and add a capital letter and you have the name of the foundation entrusted to ensure that fair trade really is Fairtrade.

In the 1960s, what had started with religious intent became a political issue, when radical student movements shaped our current understanding of trading fairly. Their motto of "Trade not Aid" gained international recognition when the United Nations adopted it in 1968.

In 1965, Oxfam launched and its "helping-by-selling" mission continues to this day.

By the 1980s, agricultural goods began to be a part of the movement. Until then, it had been predominantly handicrafts. But this was, quite literally, no longer the nation's bag; jute bags were out and tea and coffee were in.

The first official certificate launched in 1988 and this allowed Fairtrade goods to be sold through giant distributors instead of just small, speciality shops.

In 2002, a globally-recognised certification system was put in place and is now used in 50 countries, the United Kingdom being the most notable contributor to the movement.

Fairtrade coffee is all about being fair and ethical. Certification ensures coffee is grown and harvested in accordance with the organisation's stringent guidelines; every step of the supply chain is monitored.

In essence, the aim is to create a safe working environment that allows for social development while protecting and conserving the environment, and giving the workers the right to maintain their integrity, earn a living wage, and form unions.

Basically, it's like working for Brighton and Hove Council.