Partner
FTAK & Elements, India
Partner since 2005
4,500 farmers
Cashews, spices, coffee, cocoa, etc.
FLO, EU Organic
3,930 ha of organic farming
India, Kerala
«Working with Pakka gives me greater security in my work as a cashew producer. Reliable prices and long-term relationships help me to plan better and provide a more stable livelihood for my family.»
Saju Augustine
Cashew producer, Kannur region, India
Community-Driven and Fair
FTAK is more than a cooperative – it’s a strong community. It supports its members with training, infrastructure, and a shared vision focused on food security, biodiversity, and gender justice. Thanks to its partnership with Pakka and its Fairtrade certification, FTAK ensures that farmers receive fair and stable prices for their crops. In addition, the Fairtrade Premium is invested in community projects – from organic compost production and elephant-deterring solar fencing to emergency relief funds for monsoon disasters.
Processing with Care
The harvested cashew nuts are processed regionally in Kasaragod - with painstaking manual labour, mainly by women. From drying and roasting to shelling: every step of the process is characterised by precision and respect for the product. Among other things, the nutshells are used as fuel during processing - a closed cycle that saves resources and minimises the ecological footprint.
A Partnership that Lasts
Since the first container shipment in 2006, cashews from Kerala have been a cornerstone of Pakka’s product range. Behind every nut lies more than just flavour: a strong smallholder movement, fair pricing, careful processing – and a shared understanding that trade can be a powerful force for good. What started as a modest collaboration has grown into a living example of what’s possible when people across continents work together – fairly, transparently, and with conviction.
«For me, working with Pakka means greater security and personal development. I’ve learnt to see my work in a different light and to take a more active role in shaping my future. The Fairtrade premium has helped me set up my own shop.»
Shiji
Cashew producer, Kannur region, India
A Shared Beginning
Sometimes, partnerships don’t start with contracts, but with a shared vision. The Fair Trade Alliance Kerala (FTAK) was born in 2005 out of such a vision – to strengthen smallholder farming in South India and connect it fairly to global markets. It was founded jointly by Pakka and the Indian organic trading company Elements. The creation of FTAK was a direct result of their collaboration – and ever since, the journeys of Pakka and FTAK have been closely intertwined.
A Story of People and Purpose
At the heart of this partnership is Tomy Mathew, founder of Elements and now a close friend of Pakka co-founder Ueli Baruffol. Tomy has long been a pioneer of trade justice in India. His guiding principle – “dignity instead of charity” – has shaped the way FTAK operates to this day. What began as a small organic shop in Calicut grew into a thriving movement of more than 4,500 smallholder families in Kerala.
Farming in Harmony with Nature
The FTAK farmers cultivate their land in the lush hills of Kerala’s Western Ghats – a region recognised as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. On over 5,800 hectares, they grow cashew, coconut, coffee, and spices in traditional mixed-cropping systems. These methods help preserve soil fertility, protect water sources, and maintain the area’s remarkable biodiversity. Organic farming here isn’t just a certification – it’s a way of life.
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