Finnish berry firms seek Fairtrade certification amid industry scrutiny

Finnish berry companies have applied for Fairtrade certification, which would make their products the world’s first Fairtrade wild berries, according to Janne Sivonen, executive director of the Fairtrade Finland association.

If approved, the berries could reach Finnish shelves within months, Sivonen said, provided they are harvested and processed under supervised conditions—likely by autumn.

Kiantama, one of Finland’s largest berry firms, has initiated the certification process. The company, previously linked to a severe human trafficking conviction involving its former CEO and a business partner, does not employ its own pickers but buys berries from subcontractors. Under Fairtrade standards, the entire supply chain must meet strict criteria.

Sivonen confirmed that other berry companies have also applied, though he declined to name them until they publicly disclose their participation. Major retailers S-Group and Kesko have stated they are prepared to purchase and sell Fairtrade berries to consumers.

The most significant change under Fairtrade rules would require employers to cover workers’ flight costs to Finland—a measure addressing a key driver of debt bondage and human trafficking risks in the industry. Currently, many pickers, often from Thailand, arrive indebted due to high travel expenses.

Fairtrade wild berries must meet dozens of requirements, including fair recruitment, proper working hours, decent housing, and access to grievance mechanisms. Employers must also provide comprehensive training, respect workers’ right to organize, and ensure that accommodation and meal costs do not exceed 25% of a picker’s seasonal wages.

Inspectors will conduct on-site forest visits to verify compliance.