The term 'fair trade' is an open principle that is often seen in direct connection with the label of the World Fair Trade Organization, which sets standards for cultivation and processing, as well as price limits. The Fairtrade seal therefore has a positive influence. However, fair business should be more than just adhering to a minimum standard and paying a minimum price. A fair economic system must consider and include the entire value chain. We will start without labels or certifications, as the costs for these are relatively high and the money for them should be used especially for the individual farms in this initial phase of the TEIKEI Olive Project.

Our economy is based on the community. The relationship is therefore not primarily based on trade but on friendly partnerships between the people involved. Through this level of trust and the responsible relationship, we ensure through regular exchange that the common goal of a community-supported olive oil economy is the focus. The financing of the agriculture of the individual farms is the primary goal, which is regulated by paying a fair income for everyone involved. For us, the community-supported olive oil economy is the result of a holistic quality standard. In addition to the social perspective, the economic, cultural and ecological dimension, equality and justice also play a central role in our economy. The price per liter of olive oil results from the needs of the actors involved. For 2022/2023 we paid a minimum price of €7.50 per liter for the "Spring Gold" quality. The maximum price is €11.50 per liter for "Zeus' Favorite"
and is directly related to the time of harvest and the quality of the product produced.

For comparison: The minimum price of the Fair Trade label is 15% above the market price of olive oil. This is considered RtO (Return to Origin), but it is not known how much actually reaches the individual farmers. On average in recent years, we have been 40-55% above the market price, which is significantly higher than the Fairtrade standard. The Fairtrade label is of course also based on social variables, such as no child labor. This is of course essential for us too.