FAIR TRADE AS A TOOL OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Fair Trade connects developed countries, where greater sustainability and justice is being sought, with the needs of developing countries where economic and social changes are needed most. It enables citizens who are consumers to favor the producers of poorer countries. This is a manifestation of humanity that helps producers to escape acute poverty and lead dignified lives. Fair trade is becoming a very "hot" topic, not only for businesses but also for consumers, who are trending towards buying Fair Trade products. By buying such products, customers express solidarity with the producers of Fair Trade products. This article aims to identify the importance of Fair Trade. Methods of analysis, synthesis, deduction, and comparison are used to establish the current situation of Fair Trade in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, as well as the perception of Fair Trade held by Czech and Slovak customers.