Felipe Arango joined the California-based non-profit as Chief Operating Officer in December 2023 and has held the post of Interim CEO since long-serving executive Paul Rice stepped down at the end of 2024
California-based Fair Trade USA has appointed Felipe Arango as its new CEO following a six-month recruitment process.
In September 2024, Fair Trade USA Founder Paul Rice announced plans to step down as CEO after 26 years at the helm of the California-based non-profit organisation. Arango, who joined Fair Trade USA as Chief Operating Officer in December 2023, has served as Interim CEO since the end of 2024.
In a press release, the ethical certification organisation described Arango as a social entrepreneur and activist with strong expertise in the fair trade movement. His direct knowledge of producers will be instrumental in leading Fair Trade USA into its next chapter, the group added.
“I am thrilled to have the trust of the Board, the staff, and all of our partners in taking on the CEO role for such an impactful organisation. As we move into the future, we will do so committed to walking alongside farmers, workers, fishers to eliminate poverty and protect nature,” Arango said.
Fair Trade USA also noted that Arango is assuming the role at a time of global uncertainty across supply chains and financial markets, with coffee and cocoa prices reaching record highs in 2024.
In July 2023, Fair Trade USA controversially announced a freeze on its current minimum pricing and premiums for all coffee sold under its Fair Trade Certified label during that year – a move it repeated in June 2024 to ‘prioritise market stability’ amid record high green coffee prices.
In contrast, Fairtrade International increased its Minimum Price for coffee in August 2023 to offer a ‘safety net’ for coffee farmers grappling with high inflation, rising production costs and erratic market prices.
Founded in 1998, Fair Trade USA operated under Fairtrade International until 2012, when it became an independent entity. Today, the non-profit partners with over 1,500 brands and retailers and certifies a broad range of consumer products, including coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar, fresh produce, dairy and fish.
