Federal Minister for Development lauds GEPA's groundbreaking efforts at the 50th anniversary event, which attracted more than 200 attendees in Wuppertal.
In a grand celebration, GEPA, one of Europe's leading fair trade organizations, marked its 50th anniversary under the motto "50 Years GEPA - Taste a Fair World". The event, attended by over 200 guests from politics, civil society, world shops, customers, cooperation partners, employees, and trading partners, highlighted GEPA's commitment to justice and sustainable opportunities for partners in the Global South.
Torsten Müller, head of finance at Brot für die Welt, spoke on behalf of the GEPA shareholders' meeting, emphasizing GEPA's role as an ecumenical company that has made social and ecological responsibility a priority in business and politics. Müller's sentiments were echoed by Dr. Gerd Müller, the current director general of UNIDO and former federal development minister, who acknowledged the commitment of volunteers behind the fair trade movement and GEPA, stating that they are responsible for making "justice and partnership in world trade" mainstream in Germany.
GEPA completed the economic year 2024 with a growth of approximately 10.9 percent, achieving a wholesale turnover of 84.8 million euros. Consumers purchased around 118.6 million euros worth of products such as coffee, chocolate, tea, honey, and handicrafts. These figures underscore GEPA's economic success and its ability to deliver quality products while maintaining its commitment to fair trade principles.
The World Shop Association, of which GEPA is a member, is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. GEPA is highlighted as a pioneer in global justice and a living example of how value orientation and economic success can go hand in hand. NRW Minister President Hendrik Wüst congratulated GEPA for showing that economics and ethics can go hand in hand, while Reem Alabali-Radovan, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, emphasized the importance of GEPA's work.
GEPA began in 1975 with two 100-square-meter apartments serving as storage. Today, the company building in Vohwinkel has 2,500 square meters of office space and 8,500 square meters of storage space. Over the years, GEPA has grown its product offerings from crafts to include coffee, tea, cocoa, and other food products sourced fairly.
The anniversary cake was cut with representatives from trading partners in Honduras, Uganda, India, and Sao Tomé, as well as purchasing managers of GEPA. María Antonia López, spokesperson for the 122 trading partners of GEPA in the Global South, thanked GEPA for believing in them and supporting their growth. Hildegard Fuchs, head of the product department, and Sebastian Martin, online editor, shared their motivation for working at GEPA, both expressing a desire to contribute to a fairer world.
GEPA is certified according to the guarantee system of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), making it one of the few companies in Germany with this certification. It is also a member of the European Fair Trade Association (EFTA) and the Forum Fairer Handel (FFH). GEPA's adherence to the 10 principles of fair trade, supporting producers with fair prices, decent working conditions, and sustainable practices, has been instrumental in its success.
The company's achievements in fair trade and sustainability have earned it numerous awards, including the German SDG Award in the "Company" category in late 2023. Dr. Ophelia Nick, MP and spokesperson for agricultural policy of the Green parliamentary group, praised GEPA for demonstrating that economic viability and sustainability can coexist. Wuppertal's Mayor Prof. Dr. Uwe Schneidewind commended GEPA for being a significant player for sustainable change and socially responsible business.
As GEPA looks forward to the next 50 years, Matthias Kroth, commercial manager of GEPA, expressed confidence in the brand's future. "Our unique mission and commitment to fair trade and sustainability will continue to drive our success," he said. For more details on GEPA’s specific 50-year milestones, it would be best to consult GEPA’s own anniversary publications or official reports.
During the celebratory event, the World Shop Association, a partner organization of GEPA, was acknowledged for its 50-year milestone. In his speech, Matthias Kroth, commercial manager of GEPA, highlighted the importance of education-and-self-development in the future growth of the company, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and improvement in all aspects, including sports.
Torsten Müller, head of finance at Brot für die Welt, underscored GEPA's role as an ecumenical company and its commitment to sustainable opportunities, noting that this extends to the personal growth and well-being of its employees, encompassing sports as a means of health and team building.
