Altromercato

The story of Altromercato began in the South Tyrolean Dolomites of Bolzano and Bressanone, where, in the early '80s, the first shops of fair trade emerged, subsequently developing in northern Italy. It is a visionary story that stems entirely from the concept of sharing and taking responsibility for international economic and social justice: from fair trade to Altromercato.

Altromercato is Fair Trade 

"Fair Trade" was a term coined in 1987 by Antonio Vaccaro, one of the founders. “Solidarity without equity, which implies a social relationship, ends up transforming into charity. And charity does not produce transformation; it does not change the state of affairs. On the other hand, equity without solidarity, that is, without brotherhood, becomes an abstract sense of justice, a hollow justice because it is not grounded in a social dimension.” 

In the following years, the cooperative increased the number of shops and members within it. The main purpose is to buy and resell on the market directly from producers in the poorest areas of the world, ensuring them sufficient and respectful wages for a dignified social status. Struggles were fought, and great sacrifices were made in some territories to overcome the obstacles imposed by large multinationals that set quotas and quite oppressive market prices for farmers. 

Thanks to Altromercato, new cooperatives among producers were established for the production of coffee, sugar, chocolate, exotic fruits, and much more. 

Altromercato is organic and promotes responsible consumption

The cooperative actively supports organic farming and other forms of environmental protection. Products are imported to Italy and Europe, and then resold according to the principles of responsible consumption. For example, the price of Altromercato products is broken down so that the buyer is always informed about the percentage allocated to producers and intermediaries.

Today, Altromercato has 300 stores in Italy and 117 members. Handicrafts, fashion, food, and processed products are the other side of a market that has the face of humanity and the scent of the earth.