Support Fairtrade Week: 25 February to 9 March 2008.

 

If you are one of the millions of Britons who reach for a strong cup of coffee when you get to work on a bleary Monday morning, then you are probably far more interested in getting your caffeine ‘hit’ than you are in considering where your coffee came from, how it was produced or even the price the growers got for their beans. Business Link is encouraging local businesses to think again during Fairtrade week 2008.

 

Fairtrade Fortnight, from 25 February to 9 March, is a great time to consider the business benefits of using, selling or supporting Fairtrade products in the workplace. A recent YouGov survey revealed that, despite growing support for Fairtrade in the UK, only 17% of UK workers said their companies serve Fairtrade products. But almost two out of five (38%) thought their company should make products carrying the ‘FAIRTRADE’ mark available at work.

UK Fairtrade sales passed £300m last year, recording a phenomenal annual growth rate of 40% over the past five years – giving over 7 million farmers, workers and their families a chance to build a better future and compete in the global marketplace. In 2007 awareness levels of the ‘FAIRTRADE’ mark in the UK reached their highest ever at 57%, while research by DEFRA and Make Poverty History suggests nearly 90% of adults have heard of Fairtrade. All items carrying the ‘FAIRTRADE’ mark have met the standards set by Fairtrade Labeling Organisations International, which inspects producers.

A fair deal for producers/growers then, but a fair deal for retailers too. This is a rapidly expanding market, amongst consumers who are becoming more discerning and demanding. Getting involved and marketing your Fairtrade credentials could have a positive impact on your bottom line – as well as helping secure the livelihood of small producers in poverty stricken parts of the world.

How Can I Get Involved?

Here are a few ideas to get you started, but to find out more about Fairtrade at Work Fortnight and how to get involved call your local Business Link on 0845 600 9 006.

• Buy more Fairtrade products – your business may already stock Fairtrade tea, coffee and sugar for staff, but did you know there are more than 1,300 certified Fairtrade products to choose from?
• Hold a Fairtrade event – encourage staff to trial products and to put forward suggestions on how your business can trade more sustainably.
• Look at sourcing products locally, not just Fairtrade ones – remember that the sentiments behind Fairtrade (strengthening businesses and helping local communities prosper) can run throughout your sourcing policy. Finding materials close to home not only reduces road miles and hence your carbon footprint, but also supports the local economy.