Fairtrade

Fairtrade aims to help the producers of developing countries by promoting sustainable living and a fairer distribution in payment. The Fairtrade movement campaigns for peoples rights, advocating higher wages and improving social and environmental standards throughout the production of many common goods.
Founded in 1992 by CAFOD, Christian Aid, Oxfam, Traidcraft and the World’s Development Movement, Fairtrade developed strongly, producing it’s first certified product ‘Green & Black’s’ Maya Gold Chocolate bar with cocoa from Belize, Central America. Shortly followed by Cafédirect coffee and Clipper Tea.
Since 1992, Fairtrade has become increasingly popular with almost 50% of the UK’s population recognising the importance and purchasing products on a daily basis. Supermarkets, local stores and even some schools have introduced Fairtrade products emphasising the importance of a fair payment strategy whilst giving insight to the food production of developing countries. Just recently the ever popular Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate and Starbucks announced they were becoming almost 100% Fairtrade throughout the UK and Ireland.

Moving away from the serious side, let’s delve into the equally important side of the products. My love of ‘proper’ tea, ‘proper’ chocolate and overall ‘proper’ food influences the products my family or I buy, and Fairtrade has always come out on top. Fairtrade however brings in more than just tea bags and cocoa. Cotton including clothing and home ware, Coffee, Fruit Juices of many tropical fruits, an assortment of hot chocolate, dried fruits, sweets and treats, the occasional alcoholic beverage and the most intriguing array of Herbal Teas and Teas, are just a fraction of what’s available. With Fairtrade goods and a love for natural foods of high quality you will rarely go wrong.
Developing countries such as Columbia, most areas of Africa, South Africa, Costa Rica, Guatemala, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand provide us with unique, high standard delicious produce. Should we not give more than just a little to those who work hard for our satisfaction? Should we not provide generosity in order to satisfy their needs? We are invited into their culture through food and drink, a popular past time of our world, although it may have unfortunately travelled far, is that an excuse to waste it or purchase other brands?
In 2007 consumers worldwide spend £1.6bn on Fairtrade products, a 47% increase from the previous year. This progress has directly benefited 7 million people – farmers, workers and their families in 58 countries. We have made a difference but in order for the third world to move towards economic self-sufficiency and stability we must play our part in international trade, ask ourselves what’s best for the individuals that keep our shopping trolleys full and never underestimate the power of a Green & Blacks Chocolate Bar.