With an ever-increasing emphasis and awareness of where and how products are produced, made, then supplied, we are conscious of who our suppliers are and understand the importance of ethically and sustainably produced items here at Talkington bates. Following on from our ethos as a ‘human caring entity’, we care about the living conditions of who supplies such our sugar, tea and other goods. As a contract caterer, we work with our clients and buy Fairtrade when we can. Here’s a little look to see what more we can learn about Fairtrade.
What is Fairtrade?
Fair trade is exactly what its name suggests. Fairtrade works with farming co-operatives, businesses and governments to make trade fair. Fairtrade’s vision together with Fairtrade farmers and workers is to build a world in which trade is based on fairness so that producers earn a fair wage. Fairtrade also sets social, economic and environmental standards for companies and farmers involved in the supply chain. Farmers are also supported in making better environmental and sustainable decisions in their businesses and communities.
What does Fairtrade do?
Fair trade works with co-operatives, businesses and governments to make trade fair. The single vision from other the producers and the producers can earn a secure and sustainable livelihood.
Fair trade sets the social, economic and environmental and standards for farmers and producers of the supply chain. In order to make sure products are produced to line up with Fairtrade standards, an independent organisation Flo CERT, is the independent global certification body for Fairtrade. Fairtrade operates a licensing programme where producers can be assessed to fit the Fairtrade standards and wear the Fairtrade logo and branding.
Fairtrade and sustainability
Fairtrade isn’t just about fair prices, it is also about people, that people can earn a fair wage today without compromising on the needs of their futures tomorrow. So, Fairtrade believes in the sustainability of societies, environment and economies. 50% of the Fairtrade businesses are owned by the farmers, and one standard includes not being paid less than the Fairtrade minimum price for their commodity to combat fluctuating costs. One way that farmers and producers can improve sustainability is forming co-operatives where they learn can from their community whether it is to learn about overcoming environmental factors or social or economic issues. Fairtrade premium is a sum of funds from excess sales that can get allocated to these groups where they can choose how these funds are spent whether building a school or improving farming conditions or ways to improve their business and livelihoods.
What are Fairtrade products?
When you think Fairtrade what comes to mind? Do you think bananas? Coffee? Or sugar or tea? There is a wide range of products that are not immediately obvious from wine to cotton to gold. Here are some interesting facts about some Fairtrade products;
Barts and Steenbergs produces Fairtrade herbs
HUN rose a South African wine is UK’s first Fairtrade rose in a can which happens to be fully recyclable and vegan friendly
Quinola’s organic quinoa is grown from Fairtrade farmers in Peru
Seed and bean’s chocolate is 100% organic and also uses a very clever packaging solution made of a cellulose film made of Eucalyptus wood pulp
Fairtrade clothes farmers for natural cotton and materials – why not ditch plastic in our clothes and choose natural fibres?
Gold- look out for the tiny Fairtrade stamp inside jewellery pieces made with Fairtrade gold
Fairphone, the world’s most sustainable phone, did you know they use Fairtrade gold in their phones?
What is Fairtrade fortnight?
Fairtrade fortnight is where two weeks of every year people get together to share the stories of the farmers who grow Fairtrade produce, who would otherwise be exploited and underpaid. This year between February 21st - 6th March 2022. Individuals, businesses and community groups will gather, organise bake offs or coffee mornings to celebrate all things Fairtrade. They also host a ‘Choose the world you want’ festival that is held online. https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/get-involved/current-campaigns/fairtrade-fortnight/
How can I make an impact?
One of ways one can help support Fairtrade is choosing to buy Fairtrade products. Whether it is Fairtrade sugar, tea or coffee, it means that the producers are paid fairly and supported and you will be assured that there is a healthy supply chain from farmer to consumer. From chocolate, quinoa to bananas and flowers, Fairtrade covers a wide range of products. Check out for more produce here https://www.fairtrade.net/product Next time you shop, why not look out for Fairtrade products knowing that you are buying more than the item itself?