Launched today, Fairtrade Fortnight will celebrate the impact created by millions of people across the UK for farmers and agricultural workers overseas by choosing its products.
New YouGov research shows that almost 9 in 10 Britons value fair pay for farmers and workers and 69% say they have bought a Fairtrade product. Younger people tend to associate Fairtrade with bananas and chocolate, whereas older people are less likely to associate Fairtrade with chocolate. In fact, two new YouGov research studies commissioned by the Fairtrade Foundation show that Britain’s most popular Fairtrade buy is bananas (57%), closely followed by chocolate (54%) and coffee (43%).
Both stores and leading brands are putting on offers in stores, including the Co-op offering 10% discount on selected Fairtrade products for its members. Shoppers can also look out for brands joining in with the Fairtrade Fortnight celebrations, including the likes of Maltesers, Ben & Jerry’s, Green & Blacks, Clipper, Tony’s Chocolonely, Cafedirect and Guylian.
A new campaign, Be The Change, highlights how consumer power can support farmers overseas to build stronger, more resilient communities. An out of home advertising campaign will run outside flagship supermarkets in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London and Manchester thanking citizens for their support.
Marie Rumsby, the Fairtrade Foundation’s director of advocacy, said: “This Fairtrade Fortnight is extra special as we celebrate 30 years supporting farmers and working for global trade justice. Every Fairtrade purchase makes a difference to farmers’ lives, and we want to remind shoppers that when they next visit a supermarket, they choose products with the Fairtrade logo, as these ensure farmers receive fairer prices for their hard work and can invest in their families and communities.”
Meanwhile, thousands of grassroots supporters in communities, schools, places of worship and universities are organising hundreds of special events across the country to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight and its 30 years of supporting farmers and workers overseas.
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