Fair Trade Research Articles

Trade Fair Highlights

Trade Fair Highlights

GLOBALIZATION AND METAL REPOUSSÉ CRAFT OF VARANASI: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Varanasi, on the Ganges River in India, is recognized for its old crafts and culture. Metal repoussé is one of several art forms that reference millennia-old aesthetics and methods. Varanasi metal repoussé had problems and possibilities with globalisation. This abstract explores Varanasi's metal repoussé craft's complex relationship with globalisation, its problems, and potential for sustainable expansion. Globalisation has benefited and hurt Varanasi crafts like metal repoussé. Artists may present their work abroad with greater connection and market access, boosting economic and cultural interchange. Globalisation causes loss of authenticity, mass-produced replacements, and artisan exploitation for profit. Metal repoussé artists in Varanasi battle to preserve their skills and creations despite progress. Globalisation might destroy ancient traditions. Customers want quicker, cheaper goods; therefore, craftspeople must decrease their quality and authenticity requirements to compete. Globalisation has commercialized craft, turning it into commodities. Commercialization devalues each piece's work, ability, and cultural relevance, exploiting artists who are already suffering. Despite these constraints, globalisation may reinvigorate Varanasi's metal repoussé craft. One solution is using digital networks and technology to reach more people while retaining creative expression. Handicrafts are respected more because internet markets and social media allow craftspeople to exhibit their work, engage with buyers, and share their story. Collaborations with cultural organisations, historians, and designers may modernize and experiment with methods. Craftspeople may attract more customers and stay up with the market by incorporating new ideas and design features while keeping their trade. Varanasi craftsmen may benefit on the rising demand for environmentally and ethically manufactured goods by presenting their products as cultural heritage and sustainability. Craftspeople may attract socially conscious clients by emphasising local resources, eco-friendly processes, and fair trade. In today's globalized world, the Varanasi metal repoussé craft has many obstacles but also many potentials for development and creativity. Collaboration, technology, and historical preservation help craftspeople participate in the global market.

Integrating Literacy Gardens with the Coffee Value Chain to Promote Sustainable Knowledge Innovation

Integrating Literacy Gardens with the Coffee Value Chain to Promote Sustainable Knowledge Innovation

『탄소제로 보험동맹(NZIA)』가입 사업자의 미국 반독점법 위반 문제

ESG management is becoming a mainstream trend in corporate management in all industries. In the environmental sector of ESG, there is a global consensus on the need to reduce carbon emissions to fight the climate crisis, and a wide variety of initiatives have been proposed. The Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is one such initiative that has formed sector-specific organizations across the financial industry and set out guidelines for action to achieve collective goals. In the insurance sector, the Net-Zero Insurance Alliance (NZIA) was launched. The NZIA started in July 2021 with eight large insurance companies as members. At one point, the number of members reached 30 as more and more insurers realized that ESG management was an essential requirement for corporate sustainability. However, in May 2023, 23 U.S. states warned NZIA member insurers that they would likely violate U.S. antitrust laws if they conducted business under NZIA guidelines. As of February 10, 2024, only 11 companies remained in the alliance. Korean insurers Samsung Fire and Maritime and Shinhan Life have already withdrawn, leaving K.B. Insurance as the only remaining member of the NZIA. This situation involves several complex issues and is more than just a matter of the number of NZIA member companies rising and falling. For example, if an insured seeks fire insurance, can member insurers refuse to underwrite the risk because the insured is a carbon-emitting company? Would an insurance company be sanctioned as a boycott or business entity of illegal cartel conduct under U.S. antitrust law? Will antitrust enforcement extend beyond insurance to banking and asset managers? Is this a political move by the U.S. Republican Party in the run-up to the presidential election or a solid legal judgment? Is it part of a U.S. context that has seen repeated withdrawals from and accessions to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and anti-ESG legislation on a state-by-state basis?
 There are so many complex factors in these questions that it’s difficult to determine a definitive answer. However, leading global insurance companies see the potential for antitrust violations as a severe legal risk. This article examines the rise and fall of the NZIA, ESG trends and backlash, and the potential for antitrust violations in the insurance business, which is the only financial industry exempt from federal antitrust laws. This is an issue of extraterritorial application of antitrust law, but it also introduces the position of E.U. Competition Law and the TFEU, which are critical of the attitude of the 23 U.S. states. Art.125 Mutual Agreement in the Korean Insurance Business Act and Art.3 Application to Acts Conducted Overseas, Art.56 International Cooperation of the Fair Trade Commission, Art.116 Legitimate Acts under Statutes or Regulations in Korean Monopoly Regulation and Fair Trade Act do not solve the problem.
 The question of whether NZIA members would violate U.S. antitrust laws is currently unanswered. And significant variables such as the outcome of the U.S. presidential election, the policies of the Republican Party, the global trend of pro-ESG, and the possibility of sudden litigation risk should be noted. Whether you win or lose on the merits, antitrust litigation in the U.S. is an arduous process that no business entities wants to go through.

The impact of social changes on MICE tourism management in the age of digitalization: a bibliometric review

AbstractThe meetings, incentives, conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism has intensively grown in recent decades. The MICE sector has also been strongly affected by social and technological changes, especially new social habits resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Our research maps the state of the art in MICE tourism and its digitalization from 1997 (first published article found on the subject) to 2022, as well as the changes brought about by COVID-19 to the management of MICE tourism. To identify the main changes caused by COVID-19 pandemic in MICE tourism management, we carried out a survey based on surveys with Conference managers, Exhibition and Trade Fair Centers, and Convention Bureaus in Spain, a leading country in MICE tourism worldwide. For this purpose, we carried out a survey based on surveys with managers of Conference, Exhibition and Trade Fair Centers and Convention Bureaus in Spain, a leading country in MICE tourism worldwide, to identify the main changes that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused in the management of this type of tourism. Based on the results obtained, a bibliometric analysis was carried out using the software SciMAT to find out the thematic evolution of the terms MICE tourism, digital and Business Tourism. This study identifies the most significant topics in MICE tourism management during the pre-pandemic period (1997–2019), the pandemic, and post-pandemic period (2020–2022). We also analyzed the most cited concepts during 1997–2019, as well as their evolution towards other concepts in 2020–2022. Considering the results obtained, future lines of research related to innovation, digitalization, social networks, and destination analysis are proposed for a better and more competitive management of this tourism activity.

Geographical Origin Traceability of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. Using Mass Spectrometry Data Fusion and Ensemble Learning

The use of data fusion based with multiple analytical techniques was investigated to provide the accurate geographical origin identification of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (AMK). Inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were used to characterize Hubei, Zhejiang, and Hunan production regions. After the implementation of data fusion, the ensemble learning method multi-forest joint network (MFJN) and classic machine learning methods were used to identify the AMK production regions. The MFJN based upon high-level data fusion distinguished AMK samples from different regions with the highest accuracy. The classification accurate rate of AMK in the prediction set was 95%, which was significantly better than the results obtained using twenty-five mineral element or nine bioactive component data sets. The results showed that mass spectrometry data fusion in combination with MFJN is suitable for the geographic origin determination of AMK and has potential to ensure this product’s fair trade.

Global Social Movements (GSMs) and Non-Governmental Organizations: Investigating the Impact on Global Social Change

Global Social Movements (GSMs) have become integral to the study of Sociology and International Politics, reflecting the interconnectedness of global communities on diverse issues. Orchestrated by NGOs and INGOs, GSMs encompass environmental, women’s, human rights, racial, fair trade, and refugee movements, among others, reflecting the breadth of global concerns. However, challenges arise from political affiliations between civil society members and state authorities, as well as pressures from donor countries and ruling elites in economically disadvantaged nations. This study, employing content analysis methodology, aims to delineate the causes of GSMs, investigate the roles of INGOs and civil society, and explore the interplay between GSMs and global governance. Through critical analysis, it provides insights and recommendations to enhance the effectiveness and inclusivity of GSMs in addressing global challenges, thus contributing to the advancement of global democracy and governance structures.

Best in show

The first major optical tradeshow of 2024 took place at the Trade Fair Center Messe München on January 12-14. Mike Hale reports on the most eye-catching sports eyewear and the most impressive start-ups at the show

Climate‐neutral labeling for climate‐friendly vs. climate‐harmful food products: Consumer perceptions and implications

AbstractGiven the increasing prevalence of climate‐neutral labeled products in the actual marketplace, this study analyzes the impact of climate‐neutral labeling on consumer perceptions and purchase propensity. Only for climate‐harmful products we found that climate‐neutral labeling alters product perceptions and purchase propensity (while not for climate‐friendly products). For climate‐harmful products, a climate‐neutral label leads consumers to value the objective contribution to climate protection associated with the label but also evokes various biased inferences (i.e., the product is perceived to [1] be less resource intensive, [2] use fewer chemicals and pesticides during agricultural production, and [3] be superior regarding ethical product benefits like fair trade and animal welfare). We also found that a more transparent labeling practice, which provides additional information of the label scope, reduces the biased inferences (1–2) or even avoids them (3).

Blockchain and agricultural sustainability in South America: a systematic review

In its fundamental role for food security in South America, sustainable agriculture faces the challenge of addressing the current and future needs of the region while ensuring profitability, environmental health, and social and economic equity. Currently, as support for sustainable agriculture, a significant transformation is observed in the agricultural landscape due to the development of advanced information systems. Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Blockchain have emerged as crucial tools to document and support sustainable agricultural processes. Blockchain technology has proven to be highly beneficial for sustainable agriculture, effectively addressing a significant issue in the agricultural supply chain by providing solutions for transparent and traceable processes. This technology solves the problem by establishing a permanent and open record of all transactions and activities in the supply chain, allowing consumers and stakeholders to track the origin and quality of agricultural products, thereby fostering trust and fair trade. For this reason, this article conducted a review of the current state of blockchain technology in sustainable agriculture, aimed at researchers and farmers in South America. The advantages and disadvantages of blockchain technology were identified, focusing on technologies developed and tested during the design and pilot phases. The PRISMA methodology was used in this review, and documents were searched in Scopus and Web of Science databases. Six hundred and fifty-six articles were identified and selected (2018–2023 period), but only 104 met the eligibility and inclusion criteria. The findings indicate a 30% increase in the adoption of decentralized applications (DAPs) powered by blockchain in the agribusiness sector compared to the previous year. After a thorough analysis, it has been determined that smart contracts, non-fungible tokens for digital assets, and blockchain oracles will provide promising solutions for sustainable agricultural technology in the future.

Historical Evolution of Trade Fairs against Urban Evolution: Divergence and Convergence of Thessaloniki Fair with International Practice

This paper conceptualizes trade fairs as complex socio-spatial phenomena, which are constantly transformed, following socio-economic change, and reflect aspects of social and urban life. Methodologically, we apply a longitudinal systematic comparative analysis of historical fair evolution between international practice and the case of the city of Thessaloniki, exploring convergence and divergence, throughout the historical evolution of the city. It is shown that Thessaloniki fair exhibits similarities and differences vis-à-vis the international practice, with these linking to the socio-economic conditions of the city. Fair activity in Thessaloniki exhibits a time lag in integration of international practices while incorporating economic, social, cultural, and political dimensions. Particularly within the conditions of the 2008 global economic crisis, Thessaloniki fair emerges as a hybrid model that combines fairs’ strategies and social and urban practices with aspects of pre-modern, modern, and post-modern fair forms, significantly influenced by the historical evolution of the urban context.

Determinants of Consumer Intention to Purchase Fair Trade Products in the Middle East: Does Gender Matter?

Background Consumers are increasingly mindful of the influence of their consumption choices on the environment and society, leading to a significant increase in demand for fair trade products. However, while this trend has been rapidly growing in recent years, the market for fair trade products is still in its early stage in the Middle East, despite the region’s high per capita income. Focus of the Article This study investigates the motivations behind fair trade product consumption in the Middle East. By doing this, it aims to provide valuable insights and practical implications for developing effective and tailored marketing strategies to promote fair trade products in the region. Research Question This study addresses two main questions: (1) To what extent do environmental consciousness, social norms, moral obligation, and attitude influence Middle Eastern consumers’ intention to purchase fair trade products? (2) Does gender moderate the relationships between these variables and fair trade purchase intention? Importance to the Social Marketing Field By shedding light on the drivers of fair trade consumption in the Middle East, a largely under-researched region, this study expands the social marketing literature and informs advancements in the field. The findings equip marketers and policymakers with valuable insights for devising effective and tailored marketing strategies to promote fair trade products in the Middle East market. Method The data were collected through an online survey administered to 252 consumers in the United Arab Emirates using Qualtrics. Established scales were adopted from prior research to measure the constructs. The hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling analysis and multi-group analysis. Results The results showed that attitude towards fair trade products had the highest impact on purchase intention, followed by environmental consciousness, social norms, and moral obligation. Notably, the moderating analysis revealed that while attitude and environmental consciousness had comparable effects across genders, the impact of social norms on the intention to purchase fair trade products was significantly higher for females than males. Moral obligation, on the other hand, only significantly affected males’ intention to buy fair trade products. Recommendations for Research or Practice The study offers valuable insights for marketers and policymakers seeking to promote fair trade products in the Middle East market and highlights the need for tailored marketing strategies that consider gender differences in fair trade consumption. Limitations The data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of the general public in the UAE based on voluntary participation. While this approach is commonly used in ethical consumption research, the potential for selection bias may limit the generalizability of the results.

Blockchain-cloud privacy-enhanced distributed industrial data trading based on verifiable credentials

Industrial data trading can considerably enhance the economic and social value of abundant data resources. However, traditional data trading models are plagued by critical flaws in fairness, security, privacy and regulation. To tackle the above issues, we first proposed a distributed industrial data trading architecture based on blockchain and cloud for multiple data owners. Subsequently, we realized implemented distributed identity management by the distributed verifiable credentials scheme that possesses the desirable properties, i.e., selective disclosure, multi-show unlinkability, threshold traceability, and public verifiability. Finally, we presented a fair trading mechanism without trusted third parties based on smart contracts, and we employed blockchain and multi-signature to ensure data integrity during data storage and trading. The security and performance analysis shows that our proposal is feasible for sensitive data trading for multiple data owners and provides a useful exploration for future industrial data trading and management.

Establishing a Receptor Binding Assay for Ciguatoxins: Challenges, Assay Performance and Application.

Ciguatera, a global issue, lacks adequate capacity for ciguatoxin analysis in most affected countries. The Caribbean region, known for its endemic ciguatera and being home to a majority of the global small island developing states, particularly needs established methods for ciguatoxin detection in seafood and the environment. The radioligand receptor binding assay (r-RBA) is among the in vitro bioassays currently used for ciguatoxin analysis; however, similarly to the other chemical-based or bioassays that have been developed, it faces challenges due to limited standards and interlaboratory comparisons. This work presents a single laboratory validation of an r-RBA developed in a Cuban laboratory while characterizing the performance of the liquid scintillation counter instrument as a key external parameter. The results obtained show the assay is precise, accurate and robust, confirming its potential as a routine screening method for the detection and quantification of ciguatoxins. The new method will aid in identifying high-risk ciguatoxic fish in Cuba and the Caribbean region, supporting monitoring and scientific management of ciguatera and the development of early warning systems to enhance food safety and food security, and promote fair trade fisheries.

Planetary Welcare principles for just and sustainable futures: a compass for system change, trade reforms, and transformations

International trade, a cornerstone of the global economy, has witnessed substantial growth since the start of the 21st century. This expansion, largely driven by liberalizing policies and supported by initiatives like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, has deeply integrated economies worldwide, making trade a substantial part of global gross domestic product (GDP). However, this growth also spotlights cultural, social, and environmental consequences. Studies indicate that trade is responsible for up to 70% of global environmental impacts, often transferring burdens from “developed” to “developing” nations. While trade bolsters economies, it also poses risks to people, nature, and the planet. In this article, I introduce the Planetary Welcare compass, an innovative framework designed to navigate these multifaceted challenges and drive transformative change. This framework integrates diverse perspectives on development, equity, sustainability, and planetary health into five interconnected principles: enhancing well-being, promoting balanced consumption, fostering accountability with integrity, embracing rooted globalism, and championing environmental stewardship. The article delves into the foundation of this framework and applies it to the overarching strategies of both the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Fair Trade Charter (IFTC), highlighting their divergent approaches and associated challenges. In conclusion, the Planetary Welcare compass offers a comprehensive set of principles to guide and assess production and consumption systems, including trade policies and agreements. It suggests a significant shift from the traditional welfare-state model toward a broader focus on planetary health, equity, and sustainability, ushering in the emergence of a “Welcare state” paradigm for a just and sustainable future.

Evolusi Dan Kemajuan Industri Otomotif Melalui Ajang Balapan Dan Pameran Di Era Teknologi Novel The Mechanics Karya Annisa Lim

The purpose of this journal's research is to discuss the development and progress of the automobile industry in the face of technological change, especially through the important role of racing events and exhibitions in Anisa Lim's novel The Mechanics. A positive path for racing events, arousing competitive spirit and promoting improved vehicle performance. We will promote the development of the latest technology. In addition, automobile trade fairs are considered an important platform for the presentation of consumers and industry representatives. A detailed analysis of the role of these events is expected to provide deeper insights into the dynamics of the automotive industry in the current technological era and provide positive prospects for future development directions. Masu. Quantitative methods are used in this study. The analysis process also considered variable determination and measurement. Identify the variables you want to investigate. B. Improving vehicle performance, sales, or adoption of automotive technology. Quantitative methods are about testing hypotheses against existing theory. Therefore, this research tends to be objective and not deep. Through this study, we will provide deep insights into technology, automobiles, evolution, and progress, in order to expand our experience and knowledge about the innovation process of new jobs, especially in the technology field

The effect of South African wine certifications on price premiums and marginal costs: A two-stage hedonic approach

This paper analyses whether there are price premiums for certified and black economic empowerment (BEE) South African wines in the domestic market and the major export markets (Germany, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Belgium) and estimates what (marginal) costs are related to supplying these certifications. The results suggest price premiums for BEE wines, while for certified wines price premiums only apply in some markets and especially for those certifications that focus on the environment and organic production, but not for those that focus on fair trade or labor. The results for marginal costs suggest that subsidized BEE wines sell lower quantities but gain access to higher price segments, while the opposite holds true for certified wines. Additionally, for certified wines (except Fairtrade), younger and private producers have a comparative cost advantage.

Galvanising Youth Engagement in Fair Trade: Lessons from the FTIS 2023 workshop

Abstract This article reflects on the outcomes of a workshop at the Fair Trade International Symposium in June 2023 which explored some of the ways young people are engaging in Fair Trade. Campaigners recognize the importance of giving leadership responsibilities to young people with fresh ideas and social connections to help expand the Fair Trade movement. There are opportunities to engage young people through the connections between Fair Trade and the environmental and social issues that young people are passionate about today. The workshop showcased three such initiatives: a climate and food security debate; an ethical enterprise project; and Fairtrade Fortnight events at the University of Leeds. Through these initiatives young people learned about trade (in)justice and gained a deeper understanding of the root causes of sustainability issues, whilst gaining transferable skills and building competencies to work collaboratively and creatively. Engaging with Fair Trade can provide young people with experiential learning opportunities that forward the goals of the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) agenda and promote the relevance of the Fair Trade movement to a younger generation.

On the Protection of Consumers’ Fair Trading Rights in Big Data Price Discrimination

On the Protection of Consumers’ Fair Trading Rights in Big Data Price Discrimination

Academic connections to socio-economic movements: Are there lessons for Fair Trade from the co-operative movement?

Abstract Historically, the co-operative movements and Fair Trade movements are amongst the most prominent socio-economic movements. One of the many features that they have in common is the close relations that both movements have had with academics, including the latters’ roles in the generation, transmission and application of knowledge related to these movements. This article examines the degree to which academics have been able to support these two movements through the generation of recognized bodies of knowledge, the development of fields of study and the establishment of knowledge management systems among practitioners, and raises the question of whether academics involved in the much newer Fair Trade practice might benefit by drawing upon lessons from the considerably longer history of academics involved in co-operatives studies, especially their organization of national and international scholarly associations.