HAND IN HAND – Fair trade meets ecological responsibility

Together for a fairer world: Discover the Rapunzel fair trade programme

Rapunzel not only focuses on organic products, but also on fairness and sustainability. With our HAND IN HAND fair trade programme, we promote fair trade worldwide, support organic farming and ensure that everyone involved along the supply chain is treated fairly and can make a decent living.

Our vision for fairness and sustainability

HAND IN HAND is more than a fair trade programme – it is a promise. A promise to people and nature to take responsibility and set the highest standards. It combines ecological and social responsibility. Fair working conditions, transparent supply chains and sustainable cooperation with producers worldwide have been the cornerstones of the programme since 1992.

For all fairness fanatics:
To all those who say cheap but mean fair. Who do not think about saving money when seeing humane prices, but about humanity. We are redefining fairness – for a world that is fair for all, full of well-being and thriving biodiversity.
We have been working HAND IN HAND with suppliers since 1974, paying above-average fair prices and actively improving their living conditions. This means: Our focus is on people and nature – not profit.

Important principles of HAND IN HAND:

Fair prices: For a sustainable livelihood for farmers and workers.
Long-term partnerships: Mutual trust and planning security.
Strict standards: Social and environmental criteria that go beyond legal requirements.

What makes HAND IN HAND so special?

HAND IN HAND combines fair trade with organic farming and sets new standards in co-operation with our partners. We have been sourcing raw materials from all over the world since 1987. Co-operation with producers from countries in the Global South and the quality of the produce grown there were and are the main focus.

1. Strict criteria for a better world
The standards of our programme go far beyond legal requirements. HAND IN HAND means:

Fair working conditions: Secure jobs, fair wages and social benefits.
Sustainable agriculture: Promotion of organic farming methods.
Transparent supply chains: Traceability back to the source.
No child and forced labour: An immovable principle

Food that is good for everyone can only be produced if everyone along the supply chain is doing well.

2. Fair trade with the future
Our producers and farmers are at the heart of the HAND IN HAND fair trade programme. Through fair prices and long-term trading relationships, we create prospects and strengthen local communities.
Because all people have the same right to live and work in peace. Living conditions often depend directly on local future prospects. Especially for the younger generation.

3. Supporting organic farming right from the start
Organic farming is one of the most important building blocks for effective environmental and climate protection. Therefore, Rapunzel works closely and on an equal footing with its worldwide partners: We import raw materials almost exclusively directly from the country of origin and do not buy on spot markets or commodity exchanges. This allows us to keep an eye on the entire supply chain and further promote organic cultivation. Rapunzel employees know their partners personally and are in constant dialogue with them, also through visits on site or at our premises in Legau – because long-term cooperation requires and creates mutual trust and transparency.

Fairtrade benefits at a glance

Our HAND IN HAND partners guarantee...

Rapunzel Naturkost guarantees…

Quality products in premium organic quality
Compliance with all national regulations
Social security for employees
Humane, healthy and safe working conditions
Prohibition of child labour and forced labour
Uniform transparency

Direct and long-term supply relationships
Purchase guarantees, annual contracts
Fair product prices plus HAND IN HAND premium
Support and advice
Costs of HAND IN HAND inspections and certifications covered
Pre-financing and loans upon request
Labelling and product labelling
1% of the purchase value of all HAND IN HAND raw materials goes to the HAND IN HAND donation

HAND IN HAND products – your choice for a better world

The company's own HAND IN HAND seal can be found on the front of all Rapunzel products where more than 50% of the raw materials come from HAND IN HAND partners, i.e. meaning they are certified as fair trade. More than 130 Rapunzel products now bear the HAND IN HAND seal.

The HAND IN HAND partners during their regular visit to the Rapunzel company site in Legau

The trusting co-operation over many years, the constant exchange and personal visits guarantee the high product quality. Independent inspectors also ensure quality through regular inspections.

We wish you lots of enjoyment! And say thank you for making a contribution to improving the living conditions of people in countries of the Global South with your purchase of HAND IN HAND products.

More about the Rapunzel Fairtrade programme

HAND IN HAND criteria and seals

HAND IN HAND partners

HAND IN HAND social criteria

What distinguishes the HAND IN HAND programme?

Discover the strict criteria and standards behind the HAND IN HAND seal. Here you can find out how organic farming, fair prices and social responsibility come together to create a fairer world.

Our global partnerships at a glance: from cashew plantations in India to cocoa farms in the Dominican Republic – get to know the people and projects that implement and support the HAND IN HAND programme worldwide.

Commitment to people and society: HAND IN HAND goes beyond trade: Our social criteria promote sustainable development, better living conditions and targeted projects in the cultivating countries.