South America: Exporting products like it’s nobody’s business.

China has largely been classed as the greatest emperor in the exporting business but South America is now exporting left, right, and center to the rest of the world.

Ever wondered where that delicious red wine you’re drinking comes from? Or the acai in your acai bowl that is sold on every street corner these days? No? Then if you’re a normal human being that can’t handle the day without coffee, then chances are that the coffee in your cup is from South America.

South America provides 27% of the world’s wine, exporting it to major countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the U.S, and Canada. In terms of coffee, Brazil is responsible for a third of the world’s coffee production despite the product only arriving in the 18^th century. South American coffee is famous for its acidic taste and strong full flavor, which is preferred by Americans and Australians alike. But at what cost to workers is this coffee being made?

Leading human rights organisation World Vision notes that with large coffee production from developing countries, exploitation of workers often ensues. Fair trade coffee is starting to become more and more popular in Australia, and most cafes and supermarkets will stock it, but coffee that isn’t fair trade is most likely being made by exploited workers according to World Vision.

Taylor-Jayne Wilkshire

Image: foter.com

Source:

http://www.fas.usda.gov/data/expanding-global-demand-opens-opportunities-us-bulk-wine

http://campaign.worldvision.com.au/wpcontent/uploads/2014/03/7280_DTL_Factsheet_Coffee_Web_Single.pdf