Critical perspectives on Fair Trade: an introduction

Purpose - This editorial article aims to introduce the special issue of Critical Perspectives on International Business entitled "Critical perspectives on fair trade". Design/methodology/approach - The editorial provides a brief overview of the subject of fair trade, with an emphasis on the critical arguments that have been put forward in relation to the fair trade movement. It then locates the four papers included in this special issue within extant debates on fair trade. Findings - While the fair trade movement has been attracting the attention of scholars for over a decade, there is still space and scope for academic debate, and especially for empirical studies focusing on different aspects of fair trade initiatives. This special issue contributes to addressing the current gap in critical studies of fair trade. Research limitations/implications - Further research on fair trade is needed to inform both academic thinking and policy. Originality/value - The editorial fulfils an informative role of introducing the readers to the topics covered in the articles included in the special issue.