Championing Fairtrade

For my blog this week I want to tell you, our colleagues and members, what we are doing to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight this year, which runs from 25 February until 10 March.

Once, every year, thousands of individuals, companies and groups across the UK come together to promote fairer trading conditions, and empower disadvantaged people employed in some of the poorest countries in the world. Fairtrade makes a difference to farmers and workers lives by giving them an opportunity to have an equal say, combat poverty and take control over their lives. This year is very special as it is the 25th anniversary of the Fairtrade partnership and the focus is on the people – in particular the women – who grow the cocoa in the chocolate we all love so much.

I am proud to be part of a nationwide co-operative movement that stocks more Fairtrade products across more stores than any other food retailer. Not only does Fairtrade exemplify our Co-operative Difference, we also know that Fairtrade products are very popular with colleagues, Members and customers. Unlike other schemes, Fairtrade is the only one which guarantees a minimum price for produce and a premium that farmers and growers can use to improve their livelihoods so it provides a lifeline for them and their families.

We currently stock around 270 Fairtrade products in our range and collectively they generate sales of over £16m. This accounts for just 3.3% of our total sales and I would like to see this increase by the end of 2020.

This year we have a number of promotions in store and exciting events planned across the fortnight. There will be 15% off selected Fairtrade products and a swipe and win competition with the chance to win 10 Fairtrade hampers worth £50 each. We will also be running a colleague competition for the best Fairtrade cake or recipe and we will be giving away free Fairtrade fruit at selected supermarkets on both Friday 1 and 8 March.  A Fairtrade key facts leaflet, materials for schools and a recipes booklet is also being produced and our in-store chefs will be demonstrating the recipes throughout Fairtrade Fortnight.

On 26th February from 2-4pm Jennie Simpson, the winner of our Ethical Adventure of a Lifetime competition, will be visiting Co-op House. Last month Jennie visited Guatemala to see where our Fairtrade coffee is grown and the difference that the Fairtrade premium makes to the lives of the farmers and workers. I saw Jennie off on her adventure and am very much looking forward to seeing her film of the trip and hearing about the impact of Fairtrade.

Our Ethical Adventure of a Lifetime Competition Winner, Jennie Simpson

There will also be Member events in the second week of Fairtrade Fortnight at our Bicton Heath store on 4 March and our Chipping Norton store on Thursday 7 March and I’ll be reporting on these in my next blog.

That's all for this week, if you would like to join in on the conversation, don't hesitate to comment below and let me know your thoughts!