The trading partners of claro fair trade plc are disadvantaged small-scale producers from marginalized economic regions in the South and in Europe. They produce high-quality goods in a socially and environmentally sustainable way. Fair trade gives them an alternative access route to world trade. The primary aim of claro fair trade plc is to continuously improve the social, economic and environmental situation of its producers. This includes minimising the use of middlemen as much as possible in favour of direct co-operation with the producers, and supporting social projects. Whenever possible, the products are certified by the Max Havelaar Foundation. In addition to its 150 franchised shops in German-speaking Switzerland, claro fair trade plc also supplies more than 300 other World Shops, organic shops, health food shops and local shops, as well as its European partner organisations. claro fair trade plc is a member of the European Fair Trade Association (EFTA), which is engaged in advocacy work on behalf of the South through targeted lobbying, for example at the EU in Brussels. claro fair trade plc was created in 1997, following the transformation of the import co-operative OS3, founded in 1977, into a limited company. Today, the share capital is held by nearly 1800 shareholders: 130 claro World Shops, the regional associations of World Shops, around 1000 private individuals, more than 40 parishes, companies and clubs as well as the main Swiss charitable organisations.