Eza fair trade: 50 years for justice and sustainable enjoyment!

Eza fair trade: 50 years for justice and sustainable enjoyment!

The world of fair trade has a long and impressive story in Austria that goes back to 1975. At that time, the Eza Fairer trade was founded in Weng/Köstendorf. With the aim of supporting the producers: supporting the inside of the global south, Eza drew himself into unknown waters and campaigned for social justice at an early stage. This is particularly illustrated by the biography of Anton Wintersteller, who brought fair trade to Austria and is still active today at the age of 75. Today, on June 29, 2025, not only the 50th anniversary of Eza is celebrated, but also the values ​​of fair trade are more present than ever.

The products with the Fairtrade seal of approval are characterized by fair prices for producers: inside and sustainable cultivation methods. The wide range of products ranges from food such as coffee, chocolate and bananas to textiles and flowers. Meinverkirk reports that Eza, as the largest importer in Austria to maintain in stores.

The development of fair trade in Austria

In the first few years, Eza began selling craft products and coffee that was driven over the parishes. The first world shops were opened in Linz and Innsbruck in 1977. Eza has developed enormously since these modest beginnings. The numbers also hang up: in 1983 EZA had 23 employees, now there are about 50 who work in WENG in a modern lowest energy building. The company headquarters were even awarded the Salzburg state energy price.

The goals of EZA are clearly defined: Fair prices for producers: inside and the consideration of ecological criteria. The majority of the food from organic cultivation comes, and 80% of the EZA products are Fairtrade certified. Five years after Eza was founded, the Fairtrade Austria Association was launched in 1993, which acts internationally as a member of Fairtrade. It is the only organization in Austria that awards the Fairtrade seal of approval and thus characterizes products that meet strict social, ecological and economic criteria. This ensures the independent certification organization Flo-Cert GmbH.

Fairtrade standards and their importance

It is worth taking a look at the standards associated with the Fairtrade seal of approval. Social standards include strengthening small farmers and creating democratic structures in cooperatives. In addition, compliance with regulated working conditions and ban on exploitative child labor is guaranteed. Ecological standards promote environmental protection and biological cultivation, while economic standards prescribe a Fairtrade minimum price and the payment of a Fairtrade premium. Eza has established clear requirements for traceability without quantity compensation, which ensures transparency.

For everyone who wants to learn more about this important work, EZA organizes excursions in September that address the development of the fair trade from 1975 to the present day. In addition, on October 21, a lecture by the Seekirchen educational institution will take place, which will illuminate the possibilities of fair trade in more detail. Interested parties can contact Eza directly to register for the events.